Spain moved to within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup finals after a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria extended their unbeaten competitive run to 29 matches, equalling the record set by Vicente del Bosque's side between 2010 and 2013. Mikel Merino scored twice, with Mikel Oyarzabal adding a penalty and an own goal from Atanas Chernev completing the scoring.
The win at the José Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid keeps Spain top of their qualifying group with 12 points from four matches, having scored 15 goals without reply. Luis de la Fuente's side have now won all four qualifiers, following victories over Georgia, Bulgaria and Turkey earlier in the campaign.
Merino opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, heading home after Robin Le Normand nodded a Pedri cross back across goal. The Arsenal midfielder doubled the lead early in the second half, powering in a header from Álex Grimaldo's cross. It was his eighth goal in his past eight international appearances.
Pedri was instrumental throughout, completing 101 passes before being substituted to a standing ovation in the 66th minute. The Barcelona midfielder also hit the crossbar and created several chances for his teammates. Bulgaria's only shot on target was Chernev's own goal in the 79th minute, while their best chance fell to Kiril Despodov, who hit the side-netting in the first half.
Spain's run of 29 competitive games without defeat includes winning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024, though they did lose on penalties to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final, which Fifa does not count as a defeat. The team are now ranked No 1 in the world and are among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
