Spain defeated Bulgaria 3-0 in Sofia to get off to a strong start in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The reigning European champions were in complete control from the opening minutes at the Vasil Levski Stadium, scoring three first-half goals to effectively seal the contest before the break.
Mikel Oyarzabal set Spain on their way after just five minutes. Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi threaded a clever pass through to his former Real Sociedad teammate, who calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to give La Roja the perfect start. Bulgaria responded briefly, with Radoslav Kirilov striking the post, but their hopes were quickly dashed. Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella pounced on a loose ball and smashed in Spain’s second to underline their dominance.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal, already one of the brightest stars in international football, provided the assist for the third. His whipped corner was met by Mikel Merino, who powered home a header to make it 3-0. Spain could have extended their lead further in the second half, with Merino rattling the crossbar, but the damage was already done. Yamal impressed throughout with his direct running and creativity, even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself.
Coach Luis de la Fuente took the opportunity to ease key players back into action. Manchester City’s Rodri Hernandez and Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal both made their first international appearances in months after recovering from serious knee injuries, while Como winger Jesus Rodriguez was handed his debut late on. “We are incredibly demanding,” de la Fuente said after the match. “The players were disappointed with the second half. We’re happy, but we have to keep taking steps forward.”
The win strengthens Spain’s position as clear favourites to top Group E, which also includes Turkiye and Georgia. It was also a historic meeting, marking the first time Spain had faced Bulgaria in more than two decades, with their last competitive clash coming at the 1998 World Cup.
Spain now travel to Turkiye for their next qualifier on Sunday, a match de la Fuente believes will pose a greater test. “[Turkiye] will be a higher-level game and more demanding. We have to look to be better every day,” he added.
Elsewhere in Group E, Turkiye edged Georgia 3-2 in a thrilling contest earlier on Thursday. Goals from Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu put them in control, but a late strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in stoppage time ensured a nervy finish after Baris Alper Yilmaz’s red card left the visitors down to ten men.
