Spain Mid-fielder Mikel Merion. Photo/Courtesy
By Newsflash Writer
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino delivered one of the finest performances of his career on Sunday night, scoring a hat-trick to inspire Spain’s emphatic 6-0 win over Turkey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The match, played at the Medas Konya Buyuksehir Stadyumu, saw La Roja dominate from start to finish, leaving the home side unable to cope with their pace and precision.
Merino opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he latched onto a clever pass from Mikel Oyarzabal and finished neatly past Turkey’s goalkeeper. His second came just before the interval after a flowing move involving Pedri and Ferran Torres, once again assisted by Oyarzabal. The pick of the goals arrived in the 57th minute when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set him up for a curling strike from outside the box, a goal that left the Turkish crowd stunned.
Pedri added a brace of his own, while Torres completed the rout as Spain secured their second straight win in Group E. Speaking after the game, Merino said the hat-trick was a milestone moment in his career. “I’m very happy for winning, to pick up six points, and for doing it in this way. Scoring three goals, which is not normal for me, makes it even more special,” he said.
A Resurgent Star for Club and Country
Merino’s resurgence at both club and international level has been one of the standout football stories of 2025. Since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer in a £31.6 million move, he has become a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s plans. His ability to dictate play, press high, and score important goals has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield, strengthening their bid for trophies at home and abroad.
For Spain, his improvement has been just as dramatic. After scoring just twice in his first 31 international appearances, he has now found the net six times in as many games this year. Sunday’s treble also saw him become only the second Spanish midfielder in 15 years to score a hat-trick, following Isco’s against Argentina in 2018.
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Merino’s maturity and consistency, noting that his influence goes beyond goals. “He is an example of hard work and perseverance. He gives us balance but also the ability to arrive in the box and score. Tonight was proof of his evolution as one of the top midfielders in Europe,” the coach said.
Merino’s growing legacy is also tied to big moments. His dramatic 119th-minute header against Germany at Euro 2024 is still celebrated by Spanish fans, and his display in Turkey adds to his reputation for delivering when it matters most. For Arsenal supporters, his form on the international stage is a promising sign as the Premier League season gathers momentum.
Spain in Control, Turkey Left Reeling
For Turkey, the heavy defeat was a humbling reminder of the gulf between them and Europe’s elite. Their coach Vincenzo Montella admitted that his side was outclassed, describing Spain’s performance as “a lesson in top-level football.” Turkey remain on three points after their opening two matches and will need a significant turnaround to remain competitive in the group.
Spain, by contrast, are brimming with confidence. With two wins from two, they sit comfortably on top of Group E and are already seen as strong contenders to secure early qualification. Their next fixture is against Georgia on October 11, with Merino expected to once again feature at the heart of the midfield.
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As Spain continue their campaign, all eyes will be on Merino to see if he can maintain this purple patch. For Arsenal, his blistering form offers reassurance ahead of their upcoming domestic fixtures, with manager Arteta likely to rely heavily on his midfield dynamo.
Merino’s night in Konya was more than just about goals — it was about confirmation. He has evolved into one of Europe’s most reliable and influential midfielders, capable of defining matches for both club and country. His hat-trick against Turkey not only lifted Spain to a commanding win but also cemented his place among the game’s standout performers in 2025.
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