WCQ: Spain Edges Closer to 2026 World Cup Spot with Dominant Win

Mikel Merino's double helps Spain cruise to victory

Spain sealed a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria at Valladolid's Estadio José Zorrilla, maintaining their perfect record in Group E and staying on track for a 13th consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification. The win also eliminated Bulgaria from contention.

Spain's attacking efforts continued, with Aghehowa struggling to score on his international debut...

Spain sealed a convincing 4-0 win over Bulgaria in Valladolid, staying perfect in Group E and inching closer to World Cup qualification. This marks their 13th successive qualification attempt.

Bulgaria's goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov faced his first test early on, diving to block Álex Baena's shot in the 9th minute, in a match that saw eight changes from their previous game against Turkey.

Bulgaria's defense held firm despite Spain's dominance, with goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov making a notable save from Samu Aghehowa's shot. However, Pedri's clever run and chip over the goalkeeper came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock, hitting the crossbar instead.

Spain's attacking efforts continued, with Aghehowa struggling to score on his international debut. Despite being denied by Vutsov, Spain maintained pressure, with Pedri's half-volley narrowly missing the target in the 30th minute.

The deadlock was finally broken when Spain scored, and it came 10 minutes before halftime. Prior to that, Mikel Oyarzabal had a powerful shot sail over the bar, as Spain's attacking prowess was evident.

🏁 ¡¡𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗢 𝗘𝗡 𝗣𝗨𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗔!!

Cuatro goles y tres puntos más en nuestro camino al Mundial.

🇪🇸 🆚 🇧🇬 | 4-0 | 90+3'#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/RAqDeSD77j

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 14, 2025

Mikel Merino broke the deadlock with a clinical header, nodding in a ball delivered by Robin Le Normand. This goal showcased Spain's attacking prowess, having scored at least two goals in their previous 10 games.

After the break, Borja Iglesias had three opportunities to extend Spain's lead, but Bulgaria's goalkeeper Vutsov made two crucial saves, and Iglesias headed wide the third chance. Fortunately for Spain, Merino was on hand to score again, leaping high to power home Alejandro Grimaldo's cross with a second header.

Bulgaria momentarily threatened to revive their hopes when Kiril Despodov broke through, beating Unai Simón, but his shot agonizingly drifted wide.

Spain sealed the win 11 minutes from time when Yeremy Pino set up the decisive moment. Pino's cross found Álex Baena, whose shot was diverted into his own net by Bulgarian defender Atanas Chernev on his international debut.

Martin Georgiev's debut turned even worse in added time, as he fouled Merino in the box, giving Spain a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal sealed the win with a composed finish from the spot.

The victory marked a successful day for Spain, who bettered their previous result against Bulgaria and remained unbeaten in the group with 15 goals scored and none conceded. For Bulgaria, however, the loss extended their losing streak to five matches, with a daunting aggregate score of 20-1.