Spain have never lost to Bulgaria, winning four out of five previous encounters, although the most-recent of these was a 1-0 friendly victory at Nuevo Los Cármenes in November 2002.
Bulgaria vs Spain preview
Spain have featured at each of the last 12 World Cups, something only four nations can boast, Germany, Brazil and Argentina the others, and their campaign to rubber stamp a spot in North America starts in Sofia. In recent times, Spain have established themselves as, arguably, the team to beat in international football. Last summer, la Roja were crowned European champions for a record-breaking fourth time, defeating England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion. Overall, Luis de la Fuente's team are now unbeaten in 24 competitive matches, factually if not in spirit.
Back in June, Spain failed to retain their UEFA Nations League title, first defeating France 5-4 on a truly bonkers night in Stuttgart; Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal and Pedri all scoring. However, despite leading twice through Martín Zubimendi and then Mikel Oyarzabal, they were taken to penalties by Portugal in the final, with Álvaro Morata the only man to miss from 12 yards in Munich.
Now, the European champions turn their attention to World Cup qualification. La Roja are of course overwhelming favourites to top Group E but, with Türkiye and Georgia the other teams in the section, it won't be straight forward, although this trip to Vasil Levski National Stadium might well be.
Bulgaria themselves were a force to be reckoned with once upon a time, reaching the semi-finals of USA '94, but their most-recent major tournament appearance came in 2004, a fact that's unlikely to change any time soon. The Lions remain rooted in Nations League C, defeated by Republic of Ireland in a play-off back in March, losing both legs 2-1. Meantime, having finished bottom of their group without a victory during World Cup qualifying, Bulgaria have won just three of their last 28 qualifiers, beating only Northern Ireland, Lithuania and Czechia since August 2017.
Manager Ilian Iliev, who is simultaneously in charge of club side PFC Cherno More Varna, has won only three of 16 outings at national team boss, beating Luxembourg, the aforementioned Northern Ireland and Tanzania; not an eclectic list! Thus, Spain are likely to run riot in Sofia on Thursday.
Bulgaria vs Spain head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Bulgaria Wins: Zero. Draws: 1. Spain Wins: 4.
Bulgaria team news
Bulgaria's last outing was a 4-0 friendly hammering at the hands of Greece in Heraklion, with Ilian Iliev expected to make wholesale changes compared to that team. Aberdeen's Dimitar Mitov is likely to keep his place in goal, but Iliev could switch to a back five in front of him.
Centre-back Valentin Antov, who scored in Dublin in March, is injured, while Ilia Gruev of Leeds United will start at the base of midfield.
Bulgaria predicted lineup vs Spain: (5-4-1): Mitov; Nedyalkov, Atanasov, Petkov, Petrov, Nürnberger; Gruev, Kraev, Milanov, Minchev; Despodov.
Bulgaria player to watch vs Spain
Kiril Despodov of PAOK is his nation's captain and talisman. He has 15 international goals to his name, most recently the only scorer during last September's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Stadion Hristo Botev in Plovdiv, so could he be the hero here?
Spain team news
A fair few more familiar faces in Luis de la Fuente's squad, albeit he is without Gavi, Fabián Ruiz, Isco, Álex Baena and Yéremy Pino due to injury.
In goal, despite David Raya's excellent form for Arsenal, Unai Simón remains the number one, while Dean Huijsen is set to start a fifth successive international at the back, having been uncapped beforehand. Alongside, Daniel Carvajal could win his first cap for a year following an ACL injury.
Similarly, Rodri hasn't featured for the national team since September last year against Switzerland. He did start for Manchester City at Brighton on Sunday but, as he works his way back to full fitness, it would not be a surprise to see Martín Zubimendi deputise. In attack, Spain's wingers are set in stone while, through the middle, Mikel Oyarzabal could get the nod over captain Álvaro Morata.
Spain predicted lineup vs Bulgaria: (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Huijsen, Le Normand, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Merino; Lamine Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal.
Spain player to watch vs Bulgaria
Lamine Yamal's brace against France in the Nations League semi-finals at Neckarstadion took his tally to six international goals, and you wouldn't bet against him find the net here too.
Bulgaria vs Spain prediction
As already outlined, we're fully expecting Spain to swat aside a very mediocre Bulgaria side when the pair clash at Vasil Levski National Stadium on Thursday night: Bulgaria 0-3 Spain.
Bulgaria vs Spain FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Bulgaria vs Spain in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Bulgaria vs Spain in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports 2 & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Bulgaria vs Spain in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Bulgaria vs Spain in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Bulgaria vs Spain in World Cup qualification?
Bulgaria vs Spain takes place on Thursday 4 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).