Bulgaria vs Spain Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Tournament: World Cup Qualifiers

Date: Thursday, 4 September 2025

Kick-Off Time: 6:45 PM GMT

Venue: National Sports Academy Vasil Levski

Bulgaria will welcome the reigning champions of Europe in Spain to the beautiful city of Sofia for their opening World Cup Qualifiers fixture. The Lions are clubbed alongside Spain, Turkey and Georgia in Group E and will battle it out across six fixtures for a right to the World Cup. They have experienced a fragile run of form in build-up to this game and will find themselves under a lot of pressure when they will take to the pitch against a side filled with Spain's generational talents. They have not won a game since 2024 having faced three defeats and two draws in build up to this game.

Meanwhile, Spain arrive on Bulgarian soil as huge favourites to not just win the game, but also win this group. While they are assured of a playoff spot irrespective of where they finish in their group, La Roja will be determined to finish at the top and secure a direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente's side has experienced a sublime run of form over the last couple of years and everything that they have touched has turned into gold with the Nations League being the only exception. They will be in action for the first time since their heartbreaking defeat to Portugal in the penalties of the Nations League final.

Spain will be highly determined to mark their return to action with nothing less than a win. They have a superior side by all means on paper and will look to capitalise on their advantage. The European Champions will also be keen to maintain their unbeaten record against Bulgaria intact and add one more win to their tally.

Bulgaria Team News

Bulgaria have no injury concerns and are expected to have all their players available for selection.

Spain Team News

Spain as well will come in with their best starting XI with no injury concerns reported ahead of the game. Lamine Yamal will lead the line for his nation with Robin Le Normand and Dean Huijsen leading the backline.

Bulgaria vs Spain Predicted Lineups

Here are Sportsdunia's Bulgaria vs Spain Predicted Lineups.

Bulgaria Predicted Lineup (5-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Mitov

Defenders: Minkov, Dimitrov, Petkov, Nedyalkov, Nurnberger

Midfielders: Despodov, Shopov, Gruev, Milanov

Forward: Nikolov

Spain Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Simon

Defenders: Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella

Midfielder: Pedri, Zubimendi, Olmo

Forwards: Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal

Bulgaria vs Spain Head-to-Head Record

Let's take a look at the games between Bulgaria vs Spain:

Key Players to Watch in Bulgaria vs Spain

Kiril Despodov (Bulgaria)

Kiril Despodov will be the man to watch out for Bulgaria in this high-voltage fixture. Despodov is known for his multi-faceted nature of playing across multiple positions in the attacking line. The Bulgarian skipper brings a lot of experience and expertise into the team and will be hopeful of a good performance against Spain.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

If there's one man in Spain's set up who needs no introduction at all, is Lamine Yamal. Barcelona's star boy becomes a beast in the colours of Spain and will look to replicate the same magic in Bulgaria. Yamal's ability to take on defenders and produce nerve-wrecking moments with his brilliant footwork is what makes him so special. Keep an eye on him.

Bulgaria vs Spain Prediction

Spain are the clear favourites to win this game. They are eyeing a winning start to kick off their campaign and will be poised to do that against Bulgaria to take one step forward towards the United States.

Predicted Score: Bulgaria 1-4 Spain

Where to Watch Bulgaria vs Spain

Here's a look at where to watch Bulgaria vs Spain match across the world.