Spain secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Bulgaria in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino. Lamine Yamal’s standout performance highlighted Spain’s attacking prowess. Spain’s control and efficiency, reflected in their superior statistics, extended their unbeaten run to 21 games, setting a strong tone for their qualification campaign. The blend of youth and experience under Luis de la Fuente positions Spain as a formidable contender.
Spain commenced their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bulgaria, showcasing their European Champion pedigree. The match, held in Sofia, saw Spain assert dominance early on, leaving little room for the hosts to maneuver. The stellar performance of young talent Lamine Yamal further underscored Spain's promising future.
The scoring began swiftly, with Mikel Oyarzabal finding the net within the first five minutes. A precision pass from Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi dissected the Bulgarian defense, presenting Oyarzabal with a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov. The Real Sociedad forward calmly slotted the ball home, setting the tone for Spain's offensive onslaught.
Spain doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark, thanks to a remarkable strike from Marc Cucurella. The defender unleashed a powerful shot that left Vutsov with no chance, further solidifying Spain's lead. The relentless pressure and fluid passing displayed by the Spanish side proved too much for Bulgaria to handle.
Just eight minutes later, Spain extended their lead to 3-0, effectively sealing the match before halftime. A corner kick, expertly delivered by the impressive Lamine Yamal, found the head of an unmarked Mikel Merino, who made no mistake in directing the ball into the back of the net. The synergy between Yamal's set-piece delivery and Merino's aerial prowess highlighted Spain's multifaceted attacking capabilities.
The second half saw a more restrained approach from Spain, although they continued to probe the Bulgarian defense. Clear-cut chances were fewer as Bulgaria tightened their rearguard, managing to salvage some pride by preventing further goals. Despite the reduced intensity, Spain maintained control of possession and dictated the tempo of the game.
21- Luis de la Fuente’s Spain haven’t lost their last 21 matches (W16 D5), surpassing Julen Lopetegui’s run of 20 in 2018 (W14 D6) and recording the best unbeaten run since Vicente del Bosque’s 26 between 2011 and 2013 (W20 D6). Luxury #WorldCup2026 #Spain pic.twitter.com/Bf3ydWcLGK
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 4, 2025
Lamine Yamal's exceptional performance was a key talking point of the match. The young winger showcased his talent, underscoring why he earned a Ballon d'Or nomination. Yamal's impact was evident in his creative play and ability to take on defenders. He ranked joint-first in chances created (two), led in dribbles (11), and won the most duels (eight), illustrating his dynamism and influence on the game.
Spain's dominance was reflected in the statistics, with the team registering a total of 24 shots, 12 of which were on target. Their expected goals (xG) amounted to 3.33, a stark contrast to Bulgaria's meager 0.1 xG from just three attempts. This statistical disparity highlights Spain's offensive prowess and Bulgaria's struggle to penetrate their opponent's defense.
This victory extends Spain's unbeaten streak to 21 games, marking their longest run since a 26-game stretch between 2011 and 2013. Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain has demonstrated consistency and tactical acumen, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the World Cup qualification campaign. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Yamal bodes well for Spain's future aspirations on the international stage.
The match in Sofia served as a statement of intent for Spain, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in international football. As they progress through the World Cup qualifiers, Spain will aim to build on this strong foundation and secure their place in the prestigious tournament. The performance of players like Yamal will be crucial in their quest for success, as they continue to integrate youth with experience to achieve their goals.