Overview

• Luis de la Fuente’s squad is without Gavi, Fabián Ruiz and Yeremy Pino due to late injuries, with Aleix García and Jorge de Frutos called up.
• Bulgaria coach Ilian Iliev outlined a five-man defense and an aggressive, intelligent plan, conceding Spain’s superiority but targeting space in transition.
• Spanish reports predict Martin Zubimendi and Pedro Porro to start, Robin Le Normand to partner Dean Huijsen in central defense, and Ferran Torres to lead a front line with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
• The game is scheduled for Thursday evening at Sofia’s 40,000-capacity Vasil Levski National Stadium, bookmakers price Spain very short for the win, and TV listings vary across outlets.
• Group E also includes Turkey and Georgia, with the runner-up heading to the playoffs under UEFA’s revised qualifying schedule.