Spain kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday night with a trip to Sofia, where they face Bulgaria at the Stadion Vasil Levski.
Fresh from their Euro 2024 triumph, La Roja will be aiming to follow up continental success with a crack at the biggest stage of all – something they famously achieved back in 2010 during their golden era. However, their overall World Cup record has been patchy in recent years, with that South African triumph standing as the only occasion in their last five attempts that they’ve made it past the round of 16. Painful penalty exits have been a recurring theme, including shootout heartbreak against Portugal in the Nations League final, and they head into this clash without a clean sheet in six outings.
Bulgaria, meanwhile, are desperate to return to the big time. The Lions haven't been to a major tournament since Euro 2004, and their last World Cup appearance came all the way back in 1998. A promising Nations League campaign saw them finish second in Group C3, though promotion hopes were dashed by defeat to the Republic of Ireland. Goals have been hard to come by – their last squad managed just 11 between them – but they remain gritty at home, losing only once in their last six in Sofia.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Bulgaria vs Spain online - TV channels & live streams
 | Fubo | Watch here |
 | DirecTV Stream | Watch here |
 | FS2 | Watch here |
 | ViX | Watch here |
In the United States (US), the World Cup Qualification match between Bulgaria and Spain will be available to watch and stream online live through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2 and ViX.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Bulgaria vs Spain kick-off time
The World Cup Qualification match between Bulgaria and Spain will be played at Vasil Levski in Sofia, Bulgaria.
It will kick off at 11:45 am PT / 2:45 pm ET on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in the US.
Team news & squads
Bulgaria vs Spain lineups
4-2-3-1
Formation
4-3-3
ESPBGR-Line up
BGRSubstitutes
Manager
I. Iliev
ESP-Line up
ESPSubstitutes
Manager
L. de la Fuente
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Bulgaria team news
Bulgaria boss Illian Iliev will be eager to have skipper Kiril Despodov back in the fold after he was forced to pull out of the squad for the clash with Ireland back in March.
Defensive stalwart Zhivko Atanasov returns from suspension, while Kristian Dimitrov, Stanislav Ivanov, and Ivan Yordanov are all pushing for recalls after recovering from injuries.
Spain team news
As for Spain, continuity looks to be the order of the day. With Luis de la Fuente’s side enjoying plenty of success in recent months, wholesale changes aren't expected.
The big boost could come in midfield, where Rodri is primed for a comeback following his injury layoff. Further upfield, the electric trio of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and captain Alvaro Morata are tipped to spearhead La Roja’s attacking charge once again.
Form
BGR-Form
BGR- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 5/11
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 4/5
- Both teams scored
- 4/5
ESP-Form
ESP- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 15/13
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 5/5
- Both teams scored
- 5/5
Head-to-Head Record
BGRLast match
ESP