If this is the group of death, then Spain is death itself

It’s now time for the remaining five groups in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, postponed earlier due to the Nations League finals. The reigning European champions, Spain, begin their campaign with a first-round E group match in Sofia against Bulgaria.

By most accounts, Group E is a “group of death,” as all four teams have the potential to fight for one of the top two spots. Bulgaria is arguably the weakest link, with Spain’s main competition coming from Turkey and the surprise of the last European Championship, Georgia, led by one of today’s best wingers, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

With the first five groups reduced to just four teams and only the group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup (runners-up go to the playoffs), every defeat could prove costly. The shortened format leaves little room to recover from mistakes.

This is somewhat worrying for Spain, who have never played an official match in Bulgaria. For Luis de la Fuente’s squad, Sofia is uncharted territory, and they must make the most of it.

"We are playing a tough away match at a time when the season has just started and the players are still building fitness. Our goal is to win everything. The plan is to keep possession, recover the ball quickly when we lose it, and create as many chances as possible. I’m more focused on the team’s approach than on individual players. It’s important that we all know how we want to play," De la Fuente said.

Spain last missed the World Cup in 1974 in Germany. In the past 12 tournaments, La Roja has participated in every edition, winning the title in 2010 — the only time they have gone beyond the quarterfinals.

Bulgaria, on the other hand, last played at a World Cup in 1998 and has missed the last six tournaments. Their chances of breaking that streak next year are slim.

"This is a very important match for us, one every player wants to play. Our rival is the European champion. It’s a good chance to show our quality. I hope we can perform well. This team isn’t used to playing in front of full stadiums; it rarely happens in recent years. The last time was in Plovdiv in the Nations League. I hope fans will recognize the momentum, and our players won’t crumble under pressure. When united, even against Spain we can achieve a good result," said Bulgarian coach Iliyan Iliev, encouraging his squad.

Hey, kiddo, that’s not the path of a legend, it's the road of disgrace

Bulgaria has won only two of their last 13 matches, including friendlies. Of the four games played this year, they lost three — twice to the Republic of Ireland (1-2) and once to Greece (0-4), with a single draw against Cyprus (2-2) in June.

Spain, meanwhile, suffered a rare defeat in June, losing to Portugal on penalties in the Nations League final — their first loss in 19 consecutive matches (16 wins and three draws).