Spain couldn’t have asked for a better start to their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, after convincing 3-0 win over Bulgaria, followed up by a ruthless 6-0 thrashing of Turkey, with Arsenal’s star Mikel Merino stealing the show by scoring a hat-trick.
The result not only showcased Spain’s dominance but also highlighted the confidence and chemistry flowing through this young and exciting squad, Softfootball reports.
Despite this victories, head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for patience and caution after the game. While he praised the quality of his players, he made it clear that the journey has only just begun and that consistency will be ultimately the real measure of this generation.
Speaking to the Spanish press after the game, Luis de la Fuente in his statement via the Spanish football official X handle, he said;
We are already thinking about how to improve for next month. That is why this generation is unique and exceptional.
But caution is needed: there is still much work to be done.
For De la Fuente, it’s about balance, enjoying the wins but not getting carried away by them. He knows that qualification campaigns are long, and what matters is not just beating weaker opposition but proving themselves when it matters the most. His words would serve as a reminder for this young Spanish side that even after a performance as dazzling as this, there’s always room to improve.
Spanish Football via its official X handle posted a photo of Mikel Merino going home with the matchday ball aftering scoring a hatrick in tonight’s game against Turkiye, see below;
Softfootball understands that the Spanish camp remains upbeat, with players buzzing after back-to-back victories, but the manager’s approach is keeping everyone grounded. He wants his squad to build momentum step by step, rather than peak too early.
For fans, though, there’s plenty to smile about. Merino’s hat-trick, Spain’s fluid attacking football, and the hunger shown by younger stars have brought a new life to the national team over the last few years. If De la Fuente can balance his sides’ ambition and humility, Spain may just be shaping up as one of the teams to beat on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
