The 2026 World Cup European qualifiers Group E ushered in a new round of competition. Spain, playing at home, relied on goals contributed by Merino and Oyarzabal to finally defeat Bulgaria 4-0.

Four minutes into the match, Spain created an attacking opportunity with a long pass. Grimaldo received the ball in front of the goal and shot, but the ball was saved by Bulgarian goalkeeper Vosov. In the ninth minute, Baena received the ball outside the penalty area, shook off the defense and shot from long range, but the ball was intercepted by Vosov.

In the 19th minute, Spain organized another attack. Pedri received a cross and shot, but the ball hit the post and was cleared by the opponent. In the 25th minute, Agehova got the ball in the melee and shot from the penalty area. Bulgarian goalkeeper Vosov fell to the ground to block the ball.

In the 35th minute, Pedri made a lob pass, Lenormand headed the ball from the penalty area, and Merino took advantage of the momentum to score, helping Spain take the lead 1-0. In the 37th minute, Merino passed the ball to the penalty area, and Aguehowa's shot went wide.

In the 41st minute, Bulgaria attempted a counterattack. Despodov received a pass from his teammate and entered the penalty area to deal with the defense and shot, but the ball went wide. In the 45th minute, Baena's lob was cleared and Pedri immediately volleyed but missed.

At the start of the second half, Spain replaced Agehova with Iglesias. In the 52nd minute, Grimaldo passed the ball from the left and Iglesias headed the ball, but the ball was confiscated by Bulgarian goalkeeper Vosov.

In the 57th minute, Grimaldo received the ball and lobbed it towards the goal, where Merino seized the opportunity to jump and head the ball into the net, giving Spain a 2-0 lead over Bulgaria. In the 63rd minute, Kirillov, who was outside the penalty area, met the ball and broke through the defense with a long shot, but the ball went wide.

In the 79th minute, Alex García's cross from the left was blocked by Chernev, who cleared the ball into his own net, extending Spain's lead to 3-0. In second-half stoppage time, Merino was brought down by an opposing player while attempting an attack, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Oyarzabal then converted the penalty, making it 4-0.

In the end, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 at home.