The Spanish national team returns to the World Cup qualifiers with the aim of extending its perfect run. With three consecutive victories, solid soccer and an impenetrable defense, La Roja will go into this match in high spirits. They will face a rebuilding Bulgaria, who have struggled in their group and are hoping to spring a surprise against an opponent that looks far superior.
Spain: A Precision Machine
Spain is going through a brilliant moment. Not only are they leading their group with a clean sweep of victories, but they are doing so with authority: 11 goals scored and none conceded in three matches. Their style of possession, high pressing and fast ball circulation has established itself as one of the most effective formulas in European soccer. La Roja have not lost since 2022, and in these qualifiers they have shown total solidity in all their lines.
The team coached by Luis de la Fuente was able to maintain the level despite the rotations and the absence of important players. In midfield, Pedri and Mikel Merino have been the driving force of the game, combining control and vision. In defense, Le Normand and Cucurella were solid, while Unai Simón continued to keep a clean sheet. The attack, meanwhile, was varied: players such as Oyarzabal, Yeremy Pino and Morata provided goals and dynamism.
Playing at home will be another advantage for Spain, which tends to settle its matches emphatically from the first half. Their winning mentality and the depth of their squad make it hard to imagine a slip-up against a clearly inferior opponent.
Bulgaria: A National Team in Reconstruction
Bulgaria's situation is very different. With three defeats in three games, only one goal scored and 12 conceded, the Balkan team is going through a difficult transition period. Their numbers reflect the fragility of a team that has not found stability either defensively or offensively. In the Nations League they were relegated to League D, and in this classification they have shown structural deficiencies that place them among the weakest teams in the continent.
Even so, Bulgaria will try to compete with order and pride. Their best player is still Kiril Despodov, PAOK striker, who stands out for his speed and ability to run away with the ball. However, the lack of support in attack and constant defensive errors make it difficult to believe that he can resist the Spanish offense. Away, moreover, their performance has been poor: only one win away from home since 2022.
The Bulgarian coach knows that the challenge is enormous. He will try to close spaces and bet on a low block to reduce the pace of the game, although Spain's offensive power casts doubt on whether this strategy will be enough to contain the gale that is expected in Iberian territory.
Keys to the Match
This match seems to have a clear script: Spain will dominate possession and will try to win the game from the first minutes, while Bulgaria will try to hold the pace and counter-attack in the few opportunities they have.
Some factors that can make a difference:
- Strong start for Spain: La Roja has won the first halves in its last six official matches.
- Offensive efficiency: Spain averages almost four goals per game in this ranking.
- Bulgarian fragility: the visitors have conceded first in four of their last five matches.
The difference in level is remarkable and everything points to a match with many chances and a high score in favor of the locals.
Performance Comparison
The table reflects the huge difference between the two teams, both in collective and individual performance. Spain not only dominates in statistics, but also in intensity, effectiveness and quality of play.
| Appearance | Spain | Bulgaria |
| Position in the group | 1st (9 points) | Last (0 points) |
| Goals scored | 11 | 1 |
| Goals against | 0 | 12 |
| Last 5 games | 5 wins | 4 losses, 1 tie |
| Average possession | 68% | 38% |
| Best player | Pedri (midfield) | Kiril Despodov (forward) |
Final Forecast
Spain comes into this match with everything in its favor: playing at home, going through an unstoppable streak and facing a rival in low hours. Bulgaria, on the other hand, suffers every time they leave their territory and have proven to be very vulnerable defensively. Everything indicates that we will see a match with total domination by La Roja and a wide scoreline.
Prediction: Spain wins and more than 3.5 goals are scored.
Probable result: Spain 4-0 Bulgaria.
With this victory, Spain would practically seal its place in the World Cup and confirm that, under De la Fuente, it remains one of the most complete and feared teams on the international scene.
