Barcelona’s Pedri González opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a precise shot from the edge of the box, setting the tone for Spain's assertive performance. Merino then doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, finishing a fluent team move characterized by sharp and incisive passing. Turkey's attempts to respond were stifled by Spain’s disciplined defense and quick transitions. In first-half stoppage time, Merino scored again following an assist from Mikel Oyarzabal, making it 3-0 at the break.
The second half saw Spain's dominance continue. Ferran Torres increased the lead to 4-0 in the 53rd minute after a swift counterattack involving Barcelona’s young talents. Five minutes later, Merino completed his hat trick with a stunning long-range strike, marking his third goal of the match. Pedri added another in the 62nd minute, extending Spain’s advantage to 6-0. The match was notable for the spirited but ultimately ineffective efforts of Turkey, who could not contain the relentless pressure applied by the Spanish side.
This emphatic win secured Spain’s second consecutive victory in Group E, placing them first with six points. Turkey and Georgia follow with three points each, while Bulgaria remains without points. The performance in Konya was a strong statement of intent from Luis de la Fuente's side as they prepare for the World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the match featured moments of intensity. Turkish midfielder Arda Güler showed resilience despite his team's struggles, and a brief confrontation occurred between him and Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal. Spain’s sole injury concern came when Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was taken off before halftime with a thigh issue.
Spain's clinical efficiency and strong team cohesion were clear throughout the match, with standout performances complementing Merino's goal-scoring prowess. This match further establishes Spain as a formidable contender on the road to the 2026 World Cup.