The Japan Times - Spain thrash Bulgaria in opening 2026 World Cup qualifier

The Euro 2024 champions eased to a comfortable victory at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia with first-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was able to bring on Rodri Hernandez and Dani Carvajal for their first international appearances in several months after both recovered from severe knee injuries.

Spain, who won the World Cup for the first and only time in 2010, are expected to top Group E which also contains Turkey and Georgia, to reach the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico directly.

This was the first time Spain have faced Bulgaria in more than 20 years, with the last competitive meeting at the 1998 World Cup.

Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi set up his former Real Sociedad team-mate Oyarzabal for the opener with a fine pass as Spain took the lead after five minutes.

Radoslav Kirilov hit the post for the hosts before Chelsea defender Cucurella thumped in to double Spain's lead after the ball dropped into his path.

The game was effectively over before the break when Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal whipped in a corner which Merino nodded home, reflecting Spain's domination.

Arsenal midfielder Merino hit the crossbar in the second half as Spain continued to dominate. Teenager Yamal was bright and dangerous without scoring.

Man City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid's Carvajal made their long-awaited returns off the bench as De la Fuente shuffled his pack.They had missed seven and nine months each respectively.

The coach also handed Jesus Rodriguez his international debut in the final stages, with the Como winger replacing Yamal to round off a fine evening for La Roja.

Spain visit Turkey, who beat Georgia 3-2 earlier on, in their next qualifier on Sunday.

Y.Hara--JT