Spain opened their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bulgaria on Thursday at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia.
The reigning Euro 2024 champions sealed the win with three first-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino, showcasing their dominance early in the match.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente welcomed back Rodri Hernández and Dani Carvajal, who both made their first international appearances in months after recovering from serious knee injuries.
Spain, winners of the 2010 World Cup, are widely tipped to top Group E—which also features Turkey and Georgia—and secure direct qualification for the tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The match marked Spain’s first encounter with Bulgaria in over two decades—their last competitive clash came at the 1998 World Cup, which ended in a 6-1 win for La Roja.
Despite their dominant first-half display, Spain couldn’t add to the scoreline in the second half. Coach De la Fuente noted the team’s high standards, saying, “The players were disappointed with the second-half performance. They’re incredibly demanding of themselves.”
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi set the tone early, delivering a precise pass to his former Real Sociedad teammate Oyarzabal, who opened the scoring just five minutes in.
Bulgaria nearly responded when Radoslav Kirilov struck the post, but Spain extended their lead when Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella fired home after the ball fell kindly to him. It was Cucurella’s first international goal.
“It bounced to me, I controlled it and hit it. I’m thrilled to score my first for Spain,” said the left-back.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal then provided a pinpoint corner, which Merino headed in to make it 3-0 before halftime.
In the second half, Merino hit the crossbar, while Yamal continued to impress with his pace and creativity, though he didn’t get on the scoresheet.
