US EditionSpain Thrash Bulgaria in Opening 2026 World Cup Qualifier
Spain secured an early lead in Group E with three first-half goals from Oyarzabal, Cucurella, and Merino, marking a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Spain opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 away victory at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia on Thursday, September 4, 2025, securing a comfortable first-half lead in Group E.
- The fixture marked the first competitive meeting in over 20 years, with Spain national football team expected to top Group E given their long World Cup history.
- Mikel Oyarzabal struck in the fifth minute, his fifth goal in last six internationals; Marc Cucurella doubled the lead on the half-hour, saying `I'm very happy to score my first for Spain`, and Mikel Merino completed first-half scoring from Lamine Yamal's corner.
- Victory means Spain sit top of Group E and now head to Turkey for their next qualifier on Sunday, while Bulgaria will travel to Georgia the same day.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said, `I think we had a very good first half` but warned, `In the second half, we lacked a bit of that same energy`; he introduced Rodri Hernandez, Dani Carvajal, and handed Jesús Rodriguez his debut.
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Spain made a steady start on its way to the 2026 World Cup after beating 3-0 Bulgaria at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, corresponding to the first date of Group E of the European Eliminators this Friday, September 5.
Spain is making a short process in the World Cup qualification with Bulgaria: 3:0 leads the European Champion at the half-time. It remains until the end.
The Spanish national football team defeated Bulgaria 3-0 tonight in Sofia, Bulgaria, in the first round of Group E qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
·Belgrade, Serbia
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left4Leaning Right5Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Right
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
45% Right
L 36%
C 18%
R 45%
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