Bulgaria vs Spain Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Bulgaria have been declining for a while as they drift and stagnate, with a major overhaul required ahead of now taking on the European champions Spain at the Vasil Levski.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime / US – Disney+
Key stats
- Spain have won four of the five international matches between these teams (the exception is a 1-1 draw in the group stage at EURO 1996). This is their first encounter since a 1-0 victory for Spain at home in a friendly match in November 2002.
- Bulgaria have won only two of their last 11 World Cup qualifying matches (D3 L6).
- Bulgaria have lost only four of their last 21 World Cup qualifying matches at home (W13 D4).
- Bulgaria have won six of their last nine World Cup qualifying matches at home (L3).
- Spain have lost only one of their last 71 World Cup qualifying matches (W56 D14)
- Spain have scored in each of their last 43 World Cup qualifying matches. Since a 0-0 draw against Serbia and Montenegro in March 2005.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 20 international matches (W15 D5).
Bulgaria vs Spain prediction
Bulgaria come into this one on the back of a 4-0 demolition at the hands of Greece in an international friendly during the June international break. The eastern Europeans have now managed just one victory in their last eight matches, with that one victory coming by a goal to nil against Luxembourg in the autumn of 2024.
They face a Spain side that, coached by Luis de la Fuente, have been able to bring experienced players back into the first-team, such as Dani Carvajal and Rodri. La Roja won UEFA EURO 2024 and have remained exceptional since then, albeit they did they lost the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal on penalties in Germany in June.
Bulgaria will fancy themselves to keep things tight at home, but Spain are expected to win this one comfortably and by a distance in the Bulgarian capital city of Spain.
Bulgaria vs Spain tip: Spain to win -1 handicap