Spain began their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in emphatic fashion on Thursday with a 3–0 victory over Bulgaria at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia.
The reigning European champions struck three times in the first half to secure the points. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring, Marc Cucurella doubled the lead with his first international goal, and Mikel Merino added a third with a well-timed header from a Lamine Yamal corner.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Rodri Hernández and Dani Carvajal in the second half, marking their return to international action after recovering from long-term knee injuries.
Spain, who lifted their only World Cup in 2010, now sit top of Group E, which also features Turkey and Georgia. The group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 finals to be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.