2026 WCQ: Merino Hat-trick Fires Spain Past Turkey in 6-0 Rout
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino delivered a masterclass performance as Spain demolished Turkey 6-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Sunday.
Merino opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a composed finish before capping off a brilliant team move just before half-time to complete his brace.
The 28-year-old sealed his first-ever international hat-trick in style, curling home from distance to make it 5-0, further underlining his importance in Spain’s midfield.
Goals Galore for Spain
The reigning European champions dominated proceedings from start to finish. Ferran Torres added his name to the scoresheet, while Pedri also struck with a fine effort. The sixth goal came as Spain’s relentless attacking overwhelmed the Turkish defence, leaving fans in Madrid jubilant.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi partnered Merino in midfield, playing 71 minutes before being replaced by Manchester City’s Rodri, while Arsenal’s David Raya remained on the bench as an unused substitute.
The emphatic result leaves Spain at the top of Group E with six points, having scored nine goals in just two matches. Remarkably, Merino alone has contributed four of those strikes, making him the standout performer of Spain’s campaign so far.
Belgium Cruise Past Kazakhstan
In Group J, Leandro Trossard started for Belgium as they eased to a comfortable victory over Kazakhstan in Brussels. The Arsenal winger featured for 63 minutes before being replaced by Malick Fofana.
Belgium’s goals came from across the pitch with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku both netting twice. Nicolas Raskin and Thomas Meunier were also on target as Rudi Garcia’s side claimed three valuable points.
The win leaves Belgium second in their group, just one point behind leaders North Macedonia, but with a game in hand.
Netherlands Edge Five-Goal Thriller in Lithuania
Meanwhile, in Group G, Jurrien Timber came off the bench in the Netherlands’ dramatic 3-2 away win over Lithuania.
The Dutch raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of Memphis Depay and Jurrien’s brother Quinten Timber. However, Lithuania hit back through Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis, levelling the contest.
Introduced in the 62nd minute, Jurrien Timber barely had time to settle before the Netherlands regained the lead a minute later, with Depay grabbing his second goal of the night.
The victory ensures the Netherlands remain top of Group G, tied on points with Poland, but ahead on goal difference.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
