Spain delivered a footballing masterclass in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying clash, dismantling Turkey 6–0 in a dominant performance that leaves them top of Group E.

It took just six minutes for Pedri to break the deadlock with a stunning long-range effort. The pressure continued to mount, and by the 22nd minute, Mikel Merino doubled the lead with a powerful finish.

On the stroke of half-time (45+1'), Merino added his second of the evening, finishing off a slick Spanish move to make it 3–0 at the break.

Spain showed no signs of slowing down after the interval. In the 53rd minute, Ferran Torres got on the scoresheet to make it four, before Merino completed a superb hat-trick — the first of his international career. Pedri capped off the rout with his second goal, rounding off a commanding performance from La Roja.

Turkey, despite vocal home support, were simply unable to cope with Spain’s relentless tempo, fluid attacking play, and clinical finishing.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Türkiye - Spain 0:6 (0:3)
Goals: Pedri, 6 (0:1); Merino, 22 (0:2); Merino, 45 (0:3); Torres F., 53 (0:4); Merino, 57 (0:5); Pedri, 60 (0:6)

Türkiye: Çakir U.; Demiral; Elmali (Kadioglu, 63); Bardakçı; Müldür (Çelik, 63); Yüksek (Özcan Sa., 82); Güler A.; Çalhanoğlu (Kökçü, 68); Aktürkoglu; Akgün Y. (Aydin O., 46); Yildiz
Substitution: Aydin O. (from 46); Çelik (from 63); Kadioglu (from 63); Kökçü (from 68); Özcan Sa. (from 82)
Bench: Günok; Bayındır; Soyuncu; Akaydin; Kahveci I.; Gül D.; Uzun

Spain: Simón U.; Le Normand; Huijsen; Porro; Cucurella; Zubimendi (Rodri, 73); Merino; Oyarzabal (Fermin Fermin, 68); Yamal (Morata, 73); Nico Williams (Torres F., 44); Pedri (De Frutos, 68)
Substitution: Torres F. (from 44); Fermin Fermin (from 68); De Frutos (from 68); Rodri (from 73); Morata (from 73)
Bench: Raya; Remiro; Cubarsí; Carvajal; Grimaldo; Aleix Garcia; Olmo