FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Merino double helps Spain thrash Bulgaria; Italy confirms playoff spot with win over Israel
Mikel Merino scored twice as Spain eased to a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria on Tuesday, maintaining its flawless start to Europe’s World Cup Qualifiers and moving closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Merino opened the scoring with a header in the 35th minute and doubled Spain’s lead in…