World Cup Qualification 2026: Bulgaria-Spain, the likely lineups

Early kickoff at 8:45 p.m. for Bulgaria-Spain, a match valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for North America. Reigning European champion Spain makes its debut in Sofia against Bulgaria as the big favorite in Group E, which also includes Turkey and Georgia.

Ilian Iliev’s team, chasing the feat, will field Minchev up front, with Despodov, Milanov, Petkov on the trequartista line. On the outsides are Minkov and Nurnberger.

De la Fuente lines up the Red Furies with a 4-3-3 form: Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal and Nico Williams make up the offensive trident, in midfield there are Pedri, Zubimendi and Fabian Ruiz. On the flanks the re-established Carbajal and Porro. Rodri is expected to start from the bench.

Bulgaria-Spain, the likely lineups
Bulgaria (4-2-3-1): Dyulgerov; Minkov, Petrov, Nedyalkov, Nurnberger; Petkov, Gruev; Despodov, Milanov, Petkov; Minchev. All: Iliev.
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Porro; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams. All: de la Fuente.