Mikel Merino
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino produced a career-defining performance on Sunday night, scoring a brilliant hat-trick as Spain thrashed Turkey 6-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Medas Konya Buyuksehir Stadyumu.
Merino opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a precise finish from Mikel Oyarzabal’s clever pass, capping a flowing Spanish move. He doubled his tally on the stroke of halftime, sweeping home Oyarzabal’s cutback after intricate build-up play involving Pedri and Ferran Torres. The standout strike arrived in the 57th minute, when Merino curled a stunning effort from 20 yards into the top corner after being teed up by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Pedri added a brace of his own, while Ferran Torres rounded off the scoring as Spain delivered a ruthless attacking performance to maintain their perfect start in Group E.
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Reflecting on his historic night, Merino said: “I’m very happy for winning, to pick up six points, for doing it in this way, and for scoring three goals, which is not normal – the first hat-trick of my career.”
Scrap that last post, I went way too early.
Mikel Merino has scored a hat-trick against Turkey tonight to make it four goals in two games over the international break. pic.twitter.com/hLkQ7pP5BM
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) September 7, 2025
The Arsenal man’s resurgence has been remarkable. After managing just two goals in his first 31 international caps, he has now scored six times in six appearances for Spain in 2025. His form has been a major boost for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has relied heavily on Merino since his £31.6 million move from Real Sociedad last summer.
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The 29-year-old midfielder dominated proceedings, becoming only the second Spanish midfielder in 15 years to register a hat-trick for La Roja, after Isco achieved the feat against Argentina in 2018. His clinical display silenced the home crowd and underlined his status as one of Europe’s most in-form players in 2025.
Merino’s knack for delivering on big occasions is already part of his growing legacy, with his memorable 119th-minute header against Germany at Euro 2024 still fresh in the minds of Spanish fans.
Spain’s emphatic win leaves them top of Group E with two wins from two, while Turkey remain on three points after being outclassed on home soil. La Roja will continue their qualifying campaign on October 11 against Georgia, with Merino expected to remain at the heart of Luis de la Fuente’s side.
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