It all began in Scotland and this impressive streak remains unbroken. That fateful evening at Hampden represented only Luis de la Fuente's second outing as Spain's head coach; many believed it could turn out to be his last match in charge. Although two Scott McTominay goals overcoming the Spanish national team, whereas virtually everyone anticipated his tenure would be short-lived, De la Fuente talked about a pathway opening - and interestingly, the man previously criticized of being unrealistic turned out right.
36 months and four days, Spain advanced to within touching distance of global football participation, while simultaneously racking up their 29th straight official game unbeaten, matching the historic record.
Pedri's Influence and Decisive Contribution
On a night when the Barcelona midfielder featured and Mikel Merino made the difference, Spain defeated Bulgaria 4-0 to secure a perfect dozen from twelve in qualifying, edging closer. The Gunners' midfielder and occasional striker scored the opening two goals and could have secured his second three-goal haul in three recent Spain matches but when fouled in the closing minute, he generously handed the spot-kick to Mikel Oyarzabal instead.
Thus it was La Real attacker, goal-getter of the decisive goal in the European Championship showpiece, who continued the remarkable sequence, equaling what Vicente del Bosque's legendary squad accomplished between 2010 and 2013.
Historic Achievement
Now, you might have observed the asterisk, and correctly so. Although FIFA might not count it as a defeat, during this remarkable run Spain actually suffer defeat once – seven-five on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League decider back in June. However formally at least, this present team has matched that legendary team against which all Spanish sides are measured.
Win in Georgia in thirty days and the achievement will be theirs alone. En route they won the Nations League in 2023, the European Championships in 2024 and reached a Nations League final in 2025; they approach 2026 ranked No. 1, among the frontrunners once more, just like old times.
Complete Domination
The match represented "only" against Bulgaria, admittedly, similar to previous matches against Georgia, Bulgaria, and Turkey but that's four victories from four, aggregate score 15-0. Occurred two moments immediately after La Selección scored their opening goals – the third strike being an self-inflicted – but ultimately their rivals had not been allowed a single shot on target.
The total count read: thirty-three to three, Spain clearly playing as Spain. Bulgaria's coach had admitted the only objective his team could have was to hold out as long as they could. As it turned out, that resistance lasted thirty-three minutes, and Merino's header constituted Spain's eighteenth attempt on target by that point.
Pedri's Masterclass
This performance was about the entire team, but at the heart of it was Pedri, everywhere and nowhere simultaneously: present for Spain, nowhere for Bulgaria, incapable to detect him as he flitted through their lines. He executed one hundred and one passes by the time he was substituted to a standing ovation on 66 minutes, and his were the moments of utmost subtlety, the most exquisite touches and the sharpest as well.
When the José Zorrilla chanted his name during the opening period, he had just slipped unmarked into the area again, chipping his shot over Svetoslav Vutsov and onto the woodwork, but it was not only that. He had previously floated a magnificent pass into Álex Baena to volley wide and pulled an additional back from which Baena was blocked.
Sustained Attack
An cleverly weighted pass had created opportunity for Samu Aghehowa up for what should have been the first goal, and a precise lay-off saw Oyarzabal mishit his shot. He received a chance of his own only to fail to find a clean connection, striking wide.
But then, shortly after, he floated another ball in. This time Robin Le Normand headed across and Merino directed in. Spain, who had 88% of the possession, now had the lead. The positioning chart looked like they had exhausted supply of marking paint midway through and a moment later Aghehowa could have made it two-nil.
Momentary Threat
But then in part it's the unpredictability, even the injustice, that makes football special. And the initial occasion Bulgaria got into Spain's half they might have leveled the score, Kiril Despodov abruptly sprinting away and hitting the outside of the net.
Introduced for Aghehowa at the break, Borja Iglesias had multiple chances in as many minutes before Merino scored once more. The cross from the left was excellent from Álex Grimaldo and there, leaping above all defenders, was Merino to power the header down and dash off to do laps around the flagpost.
Final Moments
Similar to their reaction after the first goal, Bulgaria escaped again, Despodov played through and putting his and their second shot wide and nevertheless the initial instance the visitors had a shot on target it was at the incorrect goal, Atanas Chernev turning into his team's goal. Still it was not completely finished, Merino fouled in the legs and allowing to let Oyarzabal smash in the 99th goal of De la Fuente's ongoing reign.
