Bulgaria vs Spain – Match preview and team news

Bulgaria and Spain clash in a crucial European World Cup qualifier at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia on Thursday.

Both sides will be looking for a positive start to their qualification campaigns in Group E, which also contains Turkey and Georgia

Manager Ilian Iliev is expected to adopt a defensive approach, likely deploying a five-man backline to try and contain Spain’s potent attack. That setup may see Nikolay Minkov, Kristian Dimitrov, Aleks Petkov, Anton Nedyalkov, and Fabian Nurnberger all included in defence.

Aberdeen shot-stopper Dimitar Mitov appears poised to get the nod as Bulgaria’s starting goalkeeper, though Levski Sofia’s Svetoslav Vutsov remains a viable challenger for a place between the posts.

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Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has welcomed back key duo Rodri and Dani Carvajal following their returns from cruciate ligament injuries. The coach praised both players as “the best in the world in their positions” and emphasized their leadership qualities both on and off the pitch.

Lamine Yamal is set to resume his partnership with Nico Williams on the flanks, with De la Fuente acknowledging the Barcelona teenager is “under tremendous media pressure” but praising his maturity and natural talent. Yeremy Pino has been replaced by Jorge de Frutos after suffering a weekend injury, while Gavi, Fabian Ruiz and Joan García miss out through injury and tactical decisions.

The Lions enter in poor form, winless in their last five matches including heavy defeats to Greece (4-0) and Republic of Ireland (2-1). Defensive vulnerabilities have been evident throughout this run, conceding multiple goals in most fixtures.

La Roja demonstrated their attacking prowess with a thrilling 5-4 victory over France in the Nations League semi-final, though they suffered penalty shootout heartbreak against Portugal in the final. The European champions remain unbeaten in seven away matches and have scored in nine consecutive fixtures.

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Bulgaria: Mitov; Minkov, Antov, Petrov, Nedyalkov; Petkov, Milanov; Petkov, Despodov, Kraev; Milanov

Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Vivian, Cucurella; Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams.

UK fans can watch the game on Amazon Prime Video pay-per-view for £2.49, with no Prime membership required. The service offers high-definition streaming across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

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European World Cup qualifier Bulgaria Spain Rodri Dani Carvajal Lamine Yamal Nico Williams Injury Update

Cucurella hailed as world's 'best LB' after stunner as La Roja run riot: Spain dominated Bulgaria 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Marc Cucurella scoring a stunning goal. Mikel Oyarzabal and Mikel Merino also netted as La Roja topped Group E.

Spain take early lead in World Cup qualifiers: Spain secured a narrow 1-0 win over Bulgaria in their World Cup qualifier, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal from a Zubimendi assist.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente gives update on Lamine Yamal back injury: Spain dominated Bulgaria 3-0 with goals from Oyarzabal, Cucurella, and Merino. Manager de la Fuente eased fears over Lamine Yamal's back issue, confirming his availability for the Turkey clash.