{"id":41585,"date":"2025-10-14T23:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weisetech.dev\/fc-barcelona-noticias\/en\/spain-one-step-closer-to-world-cup-after-crushing-bulgaria-4-0_315026_102\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T23:31:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:31:00","slug":"spain-one-step-closer-to-world-cup-after-crushing-bulgaria-4-0_315026_102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fcbarcelonanoticias.com\/en\/football\/spain-one-step-closer-to-world-cup-after-crushing-bulgaria-4-0_315026_102.html","title":{"rendered":"Pedri and Merino put Spain one step away from the World Cup after crushing Bulgaria (4-0)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain is just one win away from securing its ticket to the 2026 World Cup after thrashing Bulgaria (4-0). Pedri played 68 minutes in Valladolid<\/h2> \r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n Calendar of FC Barcelona <\/a>\r\n<\/div>

The Spanish national team took another firm step towards the 2026 World Cup<\/a> with a resounding victory in Valladolid against Bulgaria <\/strong>(4-0). Mikel Merino<\/strong>, with a header brace, paved the way for La Roja’s fourth consecutive victory in the World Cup qualifier, in a match where Pedri Gonz\u00e1lez<\/strong> completed another great game.<\/p>

The FC Barcelona midfielder played 68 minutes<\/strong> and only lacked a goal to round off a perfect match. The Tenerife native took a couple of shots in the 68 minutes he was on the field, one of them off the post, in addition to creating 3 clear chances. The best news for Bar\u00e7a is that the player from Tegueste, along with Pau Cubars\u00ed<\/strong>, returns healthy from the break.<\/p>

Merino and Oyarzabal Carried Spain’s Offense in Valladolid<\/h2>

The center-back was a substitute on Tuesday, with Aymeric Laporte<\/strong> starting instead. The Athletic center-back partnered Robin le Normand in the heart of the defense, while Pedro Porro and Alejandro Grimaldo played as full-backs. In the absence, as a precaution, of Ferran Torres<\/a>, Samu Omorodion was La Roja’s ‘9’, accompanied by \u00c1lex Baena and Oyarzabal.<\/p>

Mart\u00edn Zubimendi<\/strong>, for his part, did the same as a partner of Pedri and Merino in the midfield. Mikel scored in the 35th and 57th minutes to resolve a match where La Roja, again, dominated from start to finish, but where it struggled to translate its superiority onto the scoreboard.<\/p>

Against Georgia (2-0)<\/a>, yes, the result was tighter. On Tuesday, Oyarzabal<\/strong> and an own goal by Atanas Atanasov<\/strong> did justice to the match. Spain had 33 shots, 11 of them on target, but could only complete the rout with an own goal and a penalty in added time.<\/p>

Pedri, meanwhile, completed 101 of 109 passes (93%),<\/strong> along with 4 recoveries and a pair of defensive actions. Pablo Barrios entered in his place in the 68th minute, with the team already up 2-0 and Bulgaria completely defeated. The visitors only managed 3 shots in the 90 minutes, none on target in a very quiet day for Unai Sim\u00f3n.<\/p>

Spain will have to wait until November to secure their spot in the World Cup<\/h2>

With the victory, Spain now has 12 points out of a possible 12 and maintains a 3-point advantage over Turkey<\/strong>. A victory over Georgia in the next matchday (November 15) could secure Luis de la Fuente’s team’s qualification, provided Turkey does not defeat Bulgaria. Otherwise, they will have to wait until the final match, at La Cartuja against the Turks, to secure their place in the World Cup.<\/p>

Spain has now gone 29 official matches undefeated (not friendlies), equaling the record of Vicente del Bosque’s cycle (2009-2013). In addition, they have gone 63 qualifying matches without a defeat at home and are just 1 away from the absolute record (64) held by Brazil.<\/p>