Bulgaria vs Spain Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Spain secured a convincing 6-1 win against Bulgaria in their last match

The European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are set to begin in the September international break, and one of its most prominent clashes will be between Bulgaria and Spain. The match will be played in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the National Sports Academy Vasil Levski.

The home side are coming into this game after suffering a 4-0 loss against Greece in a friendly, and facing the defending European champions on the opening matchday will be a difficult task for them.

Spain, on the other hand, will be playing their first match after losing the 2025 UEFA Nations League finals against Portugal back in June. With their immense talent, La Roja have rediscovered their best level in recent years.

Manager, Luis de la Fuente, has done an incredible job in transforming the team in his own image after taking over from Luis Enrique. La Roja have a perfect blend of talent and experience, and they will be looking to kick-start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win over Bulgaria.

Kickoff:

Location: Sofia, BulgariaStadium: National Sports Academy Vasil LevskiDate and Kickoff Time: September 5 – 12:15 am IST, 6:45 am GMT, 2:45 am ET; September 4 – 11:45 pm PTReferee: Not decidedVAR: In Use

Form:

Bulgaria (in all competitions): L-D-L-L-D

Spain (in all competitions): L-W-D-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Fabian Nürnberger (Bulgaria)

Fabian Nürnberger is one of the first names on the team sheet for Bulgaria. He mainly operates as a left-back but can also maintain his efficiency as a midfielder. Spain are expected to dominate the ball, which will result in Bulgaria being pinned back. However, with Fabian’s composure under pressure, Bulgaria can hope to get the better of the European giant.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The Spaniard is widely regarded as the best player in the world despite only being 17. His left foot is lethal as he can score or play a key pass from the most difficult of angles with ease. Yamal’s was criticised for his output in previous seasons, but he has improved on that aspect of his game as well. He had registered two goals and two assists in his opening three matches and will look to continue his form in front of the goal against Bulgaria.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 6-1 win for Spain.
• Bulgaria lost 4-0 against Greece in their last game.
• La Roja lost on penalties against Portugal in their last game.

Bulgaria vs Spain: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Spain to win – 1.81 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – No – 1.79 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Lamine Yamal to score first – 15/4 by Bet365
• Tip 4: Goals over 3.5 – 1.64 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Both teams will have their full squad available for selection.

🚨 OFFICIAL | Here’s the 26-man squad Luis de la Fuente has called up for the clashes vs Bulgaria & Turkey on Sept 4 & 7.The road to the World Cup starts now! 🌍⚽️ℹ️ Full details: https://t.co/Nc5jfi2abm#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/dTsMeDZauB

— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) August 29, 2025

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 get their #FIFAWorldCup qualifying campaign underway at home to 🇪🇸 and away to 🇬🇪.🆕 Emil Tsenov (CSKA 1948 🇧🇬)Despodov (PAOK 🇬🇷), Kirilov (Levski Sofia 🇧🇬), Panayotov (Cherno More 🇧🇬), Chochev (Ludogorets 🇧🇬), Kovachev (Arda 🇧🇬), Atanasov (Cherno More), and… pic.twitter.com/1GxZeT08WR

— The International Window (@windowintlpod) August 27, 2025

Head to Head:

Total matches: 2

Bulgaria won: 0

Spain won: 1

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineup:

Bulgaria (5-4-1)

Iliev(GK); Minkov, Antov, Petrov, Nedyalkov, Nürnberger; Petrov, Milanov, Gruev, Despodov; Kraev

Spain (4-3-3)

Simón(GK); Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Merino; Williams, Yamal, Oyarzabal

Match Prediction:

Despite being the away side, La Roja are the clear favourites and expected to register a win over Bulgaria.

Prediction: Bulgaria 1-3 Spain

Telecast details:

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv

USA: Fox Sports 2

UK:  Prime Video UK

Nigeria: Afrosport TV

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