Spain vs Bulgaria Prediction & Betting Tips (14 October)

Spain and Bulgaria are set to clash in a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifier, with both teams entering the match under contrasting circumstances. Spain, fresh off their Euro 2024 triumph and a narrow Nations League final loss to Portugal, are eager to reassert their dominance in Group E. Coach Luis de la Fuente has instilled a dynamic blend of tiki-taka and direct attacking play, with young talents like Lamine Yamal and seasoned striker Alvaro Morata leading the charge. Despite injuries to key midfielders Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, and Yeremy Pino, Spain’s depth remains formidable, with Aleix Garcia and Jorge de Frutos stepping in to bolster the squad.

Bulgaria, on the other hand, are facing an uphill battle. Having failed to secure promotion in the 2024–25 Nations League and suffering a heavy 4–0 defeat to Greece in a June friendly, Ilian Iliev’s side is in search of form and confidence. The Lions haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 1998 and are the lowest-ranked team in their group. Iliev is expected to deploy a defensive 5-4-1 formation, with Aberdeen’s Dimitar Mitov likely to start in goal. Aleksandar Kolev may lead the line, offering a physical presence up front, though Bulgaria’s recent scoring woes remain a concern.

Spain’s away form under De la Fuente has been exceptional, with the team unbeaten in European qualifiers on the road for over two years. Their recent 3–0 win over Bulgaria in Sofia during the group opener only reinforced their status as group favorites. The Spanish midfield, anchored by Rodri and supported by Pedri and Dani Olmo, has been instrumental in controlling tempo and unlocking defenses. Meanwhile, the backline, marshaled by Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal, has proven resilient, conceding just once in their last five outings.

While Spain are clear favorites, Bulgaria’s home crowd in Sofia could provide a much-needed boost. The hosts will aim to frustrate their illustrious opponents with a compact defensive setup and hope to capitalize on set pieces or counterattacks. However, given Spain’s superior form and attacking options, a narrow victory for La Roja seems the most plausible outcome. Our prediction: a hard-fought 2–1 win for Spain, with Bulgaria showing grit but ultimately falling short against the reigning European champions.