Spain opened their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in commanding fashion with a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia on Thursday.
The reigning European champions struck three times in the first half at the Vasil Levski Stadium, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino sealing the win.
It was Spain’s first meeting with Bulgaria in more than two decades, their last clash coming at the 1998 World Cup, which ended in a 6-1 Spanish triumph.
Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi set up former Real Sociedad teammate Oyarzabal to break the deadlock inside five minutes, before Cucurella smashed home his first international goal. Merino made it three just before half-time, heading in from a Lamine Yamal corner.
Bulgaria briefly threatened when Radoslav Kirilov struck the post, but Spain’s control was rarely in doubt. Merino later hit the crossbar as Luis de la Fuente’s side pushed for a fourth.
The match also marked the return of key players Rodri Hernández and Dani Carvajal, who both came on as substitutes after long spells out with knee injuries. Winger Jesús Rodríguez made his debut late on, replacing teenager Yamal.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, De la Fuente urged his side to aim higher.
“We are incredibly demanding — the players most of all,” said the coach. “They were disappointed with the second half. (Turkey) will be a higher-level game and more demanding… we have to look to be better every day.”
Spain, champions of the 2010 World Cup, are favourites to top Group E, which also includes Turkey and Georgia, and qualify directly for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Their next test comes on Sunday away to Turkey, who edged Georgia 3-2 in their opener.
