Spain sent out a powerful message in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a ruthless 6-0 win over Turkey at the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium today.
Softfootball initially reported that Spain were favourites to get all three points, and Spain wasted no time in going to work. Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was the star of the night, netting a superb hat-trick, including a spectacular long-range strike in the 57th minute, assisted by Lamine Yamal. Pedri also shone with two goals, opening the scoring in the fifth minute and adding his second just after the hour mark.
Ferran Torres marked his 50th international appearance with Spain’s fourth of the evening, finishing off a counter-attack early in the second half. Mikel Oyarzabal provided three assists, showcasing Spain’s trademark fluid attacking play that left Turkey struggling to cope.
Despite a spirited effort from Kenan Yıldız and Eren Elmalı, the hosts rarely troubled Unai Simón in goal. Spain’s control was near total, as they carved out chance after chance while maintaining defensive solidity. The result secured La Roja’s 11th clean sheet in their last 15 World Cup qualifiers away from home.
Speaking to the media manager, Luis de la Fuente revealed that the secret to the victory is to use the speed and ability of the players to best effect.
He said:
There is a model, an idea established for years in the @rfef and we are giving it continuity. What we are achieving now is the product of many years of work. We have players with extraordinary speed to run on the counter. What we do is facilitate, develop that idea and favor those situations. We select the best footballers and also good people who don’t want to let slip what lies ahead of them. They are very humble people with a desire to grow and improve.
Spain also posted the interview via their official X account.
Watch the video:
Spain now sit top of Group E with six points from two matches, extending an unbeaten competitive run that has stretched beyond two years. The heavy defeat, meanwhile, ended Turkey’s brief unbeaten spell under Vincenzo Montella and silenced the usually vocal Konya crowd.
The night wasn’t without concern for Luis de la Fuente, as Nico Williams was forced off injured in the first half, but the overall performance will leave Spain’s head coach delighted. With momentum firmly on their side, La Roja already look like strong contenders to secure direct qualification for the finals.
