Spain's national team defeated Bulgaria 4-0 in Valladolid on October 14, 2025, equaling the 29-match unbeaten streak record set by Vicente del Bosque's side from 2010 to 2013. Mikel Merino scored twice, with Pedri shining in midfield. The win brings Spain closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
In a match played in Valladolid on a warm October day, Spain overwhelmed a limited Bulgaria, which resisted in the first half but could not withstand the red tide. The game, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, ended 4-0 for Luis de la Fuente's side, marking their 29th consecutive unbeaten match and equaling Vicente del Bosque's record from after the 2010 South Africa World Cup to the 2013 Confederations Cup final.
Pedri, despite concerns over his workload with Barça, was the standout player. The Canary Islands midfielder controlled the game with precise passes and elegant dribbles, assisting the opener in the 30th minute: a cross headed by Robin Le Normand for Mikel Merino to finish with a header. In the second half, Merino scored again with a header from Alejandro Grimaldo's cross, bringing his tally to six goals in Spain's last four matches.
The third goal came as an own goal by Krasimir Chernev from an Aleix García pass, and the fourth was a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal after a foul on Merino. Bulgaria, which sacked its coach after September, barely threatened, with Unai Simón largely untested.
Spain tops the group with a three-point lead over Turkey and needs just one win in upcoming games against Georgia and Turkey to secure qualification, barring an unlikely goal-average twist. Players like Álex Baena, Samu Omorodion, and Yeremy Pino also impressed in De la Fuente's rotations.