Spain swept aside Bulgaria with a 4‑to‑0 win in a World‑Cup qualifier that showed exactly why the Spanish side is a favorite for 2026.
The match, played on Tuesday night at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia, saw a front‑line full of speed and precision. Carlos Merino opened the scoring in the 13th minute and followed up with a second just before half‑time, setting a tone that kept the Bulgarian defense uneasy the whole hour.
The last two goals came from a well‑tuned midfield. In the 51st minute, a clever through‑ball to the left winger let the striker tuck the ball past the back of the net, and in the 77th minute an unstoppable header finished off a counter‑attack run.
Spain’s victory not only gives them three points but also boosts their position at the top of their group. The win leaves Spain in a strong position to secure an automatic berth to the 2026 World Cup, while Bulgaria will need a string of solid performances to keep their hopes alive.
Merino’s brace highlights the Spanish squad’s attacking depth. “It feels great to help the team start the campaign strong,” Merino said after the game, adding that every teammate contributed to the victory.
The Bulgarian side remains determined to regroup. Coach Ivan Novikov said his team will “analyse what went wrong and come back stronger.”
As the World‑Cup qualifiers continue, fans will watch closely how Spain carries the momentum forward, while Bulgaria plots a comeback. The 4‑0 scoreline underscores Spain’s confidence and their game‑changing potency as they chase a place that will secure their spot on the world stage.
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