Mikel Merino scored the first hat-trick of his professional career as Spain delivered a stunning 6-0 away victory over Turkey in Konya on Sunday, in one of the standout results of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Spain Dominate in Konya
European champions Spain showcased their superiority from the opening whistle. Pedri González struck in just the sixth minute to set the tone, before later rounding off the scoring. Merino stole the spotlight with a brilliant treble — his first goal finishing off a flowing team move, his second a precise strike from Pedri’s assist, and his third a curling effort into the top corner.
Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet, while Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal provided energy and creativity in the attack. The only concern for coach Luis de la Fuente was the injury-enforced withdrawal of winger Nico Williams, who appeared to suffer a thigh problem.
The result gave Spain their second-biggest away win in World Cup qualifying history and left them firmly top of Group E with six points from two matches. Georgia and Turkey follow with three points each after Georgia defeated Bulgaria 3-0 in Tbilisi, thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nika Gagnidze, and Georges Mikautadze.
Germany Bounce Back
After a disappointing opening loss to Slovakia, Germany revived their campaign with a 3-1 win against Northern Ireland in Cologne. Serge Gnabry’s early strike was canceled out by Isaac Price before halftime, leaving the home crowd restless.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side regained control late in the game, with Nadiem Amiri converting David Raum’s cross to restore the lead. Florian Wirtz, playing in his home city, sealed the victory with a superbly struck free-kick — his first international goal from a set piece — to secure Germany’s first points in Group A. Slovakia remain top of the group after edging Luxembourg 1-0.
Depay Breaks Dutch Goal Record
In Kaunas, Memphis Depay made history by becoming the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with 52 international goals, surpassing Robin van Persie. Depay struck twice in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lithuania.
The Dutch raced into a two-goal lead through Depay and Quinten Timber, but Lithuania stunned the visitors by equalizing through Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis before halftime. Depay, however, restored order with a header from Denzel Dumfries’ cross in the second half.
Ronald Koeman’s side now have 10 points from four matches, sitting level with Poland but ahead on goal difference with a game in hand. Poland beat Finland 3-1 in Chorzow, with Matty Cash, Robert Lewandowski, and Jakub Kaminski scoring before Benjamin Kaellman netted a late consolation for the Finns.
Belgium Keep Pace in Group J
Belgium continued their blistering form in Group J, registering back-to-back 6-0 wins. Following their demolition of Andorra, the Red Devils swept aside Kazakhstan in Brussels. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice to climb to second in Belgium’s all-time scorers’ list, behind Romelu Lukaku.
Jeremy Doku also grabbed a brace, while Nicolas Raskin and Thomas Meunier added their names to the scoresheet. In the same group, North Macedonia thrashed Liechtenstein 5-0, keeping them top with 11 points from five games — one point ahead of Belgium, who still have a match in hand. Wales remain in contention as well.
