Mikel Merino Double Fires Spain Closer to 2026 World Cup Qualification

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino continued his outstanding form for Spain, scoring twice to inspire a dominant 4-0 victory over Bulgaria that brings La Roja within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup.

Spain have been near flawless in Group E, maintaining a perfect record of four wins in as many matches. Their statistics underline their dominance — 15 goals scored without conceding a single one, making them the only team in the European qualifiers yet to be breached.

Merino gave Spain the lead midway through the first half with a superbly timed header and doubled his tally after the break, once again meeting a pinpoint cross to guide the ball into the bottom corner. The 28-year-old midfielder has now scored six goals in just four World Cup qualifying games, emerging as one of Luis de la Fuente’s most decisive players.

Spain’s relentless pressure forced Bulgaria into a late own goal through defender Atanas Chernev, before Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty in injury time to seal a fourth straight victory.

While Turkey’s win over Georgia keeps them three points behind in second place, Spain remain firmly in control of the group as they look ahead to securing early qualification for next summer’s finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

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