Spanish
The path of Spain towards a World Cup in which it will be cataloged as one of the great favorites begins in a country in which it never played a match, Bulgaria, in a duel between two teams with different realities and a clear favoritism that must be demonstrated in a full stadium, Vasil Levski of Sofia, and on a date -September- always uncomfortable for the internationals.
Since 1974, the Spanish national team has not missed a World Cup. Something unthinkable for a group of footballers who were proclaimed champions of the last edition of the European Championship, who had previously conquered the Nations League and once again caressed the crown in its last edition, falling in the penalty shootout of the final against Portugal last June.
Twelve World Cup qualifying phases overcome consecutively for Spain, which will face Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia in Group E on the road to the 2026 event. With the added peace of mind of having a guaranteed repechage in case they don't perform at the expected level and experience an unexpected slump. They achieved this, as did Portugal, France, and Germany, by winning their group in the Nations League.
Without losing an official match, the only one with Luis de la Fuente in charge, since a date that serves as a warning. March 28, 2023 in Scotland. Rivals of a lower level against whom it can be costly not to play with the intensity that current football demands. Since then 24 consecutive official matches without losing, two titles and a runner-up. The presentation letter of one of the strong candidates for the 2026 World Cup. And look to take the first firm step in Sofia with the return of two of its pillars. Key players on the field and in the locker room. Leaders like Dani Carvajal and Rodri Hernández, whom De la Fuente considers the "best in the world" in their positions. Two serious knee injuries have kept them away from the national team for a year. Since September 8, 2024, when they played their last match. Still without the competition rhythm that brings them closer to their fullness, they have options to start to show their form in Bulgaria and give way to Pedro Porro and Zubimendi in Turkey three days later. The absence due to a muscular problem of a regular player in the midfield like Fabián Ruiz, added to those of other substitutes like Álex Baena and Gavi, leaves the way clear for the inclusion of Mikel Merino in the starting eleven of a team that plays at the pace set by Pedri. The reunion of two inseparable players will take place, as they have seen that playing together in the same club will not be possible. The fun stays in the national team after imprinting Spain with a new identity due to its power on the wings. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The great Spanish threats in an attack in which Mikel Oyazarbal took the lead over Álvaro Morata as the striker. On the bench, the excitement to debut for Jorge de Frutos and Jesús Rodríguez, the last two to appear in a defined block. "We want to add our star to the shield," says Unai Simón. The fourth goalkeeper with the most matches in the history of the national team speaks clearly about the objective of a group that are family, as De la Fuente always repeats. The challenge of culminating the achievements with the greatest conquest. A dream that they feel can become a reality due to the level of play, the regularity and the confidence with which they face any rival. Far from its glorious era, from that historic selection with players like Hristo Stoichkov, Ivanov or Lubo Penev who led it to its best stage, with historic semi-finals in the 1994 United States World Cup, Bulgaria has more hunger than quality to step on a final phase again. It hasn't done so since the 2004 European Championship and dreams of achieving it in a World Cup event that increases the number of participants. He's looking for it with Ilian Iliev as the coach. A former Bulgarian international player who also coaches the team, Cherno More, where he took his first steps in his football career. Confident in the strength of the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia, which will be filled, and an atmosphere that increases the impetus of his players, already powerful when facing one of the favorites for the World Cup. Promete Iliev to be brave against Spain. "We should not go out to defend ourselves because it would be a disaster," he assured on the eve. But his reality goes through moments of irregularity. Goleada in his last match, a friendly against Greece (4-0). Unable to overcome Cyprus (2-2). Defeated in the two matches of the qualifying round to leave the third category of the Nations League by Ireland. A win in his last seven games.You may be interested in:International religious leaders and the Muslim World League support the two-state solution
It takes as references Georgi Milanov, midfielder for Dinamo Bucharest, and Kiril Despodov, forward for PAOK, to which are added footballers who make the leap to other European leagues. Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, from Aberdeen, or midfielder Ilia Gruev from Leeds United. The head-to-head record is overwhelming in favor of Spain, who scored 23 goals in five matches. Four wins and a draw for two teams that meet again 23 years later.
