Spain Aims for World Cup Qualification Against Struggling Bulgaria

Valladolid, Spain — Spain looks to maintain its perfect record in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when it hosts Bulgaria on Tuesday at the Estadio José Zorrilla.

La Roja stands at the top of UEFA Group E with nine points after winning all three of its initial matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding none. A win against Bulgaria would put Spain six points ahead in the group, moving closer to securing its spot in the World Cup.

Bulgaria enters the match in a challenging position, having lost all three of its qualifiers so far. The team is currently at risk of elimination after a 6-1 defeat to Turkey. The Lions must garner points quickly to keep their hopes alive, but a loss to Spain could officially end their chances.

Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente is dealing with injury concerns, as key players like Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Dani Olmo, and Dean Huijsen have withdrawn from the squad. Despite this, Spain demonstrated depth during their last match, securing a 2-0 victory over Georgia at home.

“Even though we are missing some key players, the team has shown resilience and quality,” said de la Fuente. “We need to keep our momentum going against Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s coach, Nikolay Dimitrov, faces pressure to bolster the team’s performance. Defender Emil Tsenov has also withdrawn from the squad, adding another challenge. Kiril Despodov’s return as captain might boost morale, but the team needs a solid defensive effort against the formidable Spanish attack.

The kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, and fans can watch the action live on FOX Soccer Plus. With high stakes on both sides, this match promises intense competition.