Both Bulgaria and Turkey will be looking to improve on their starts to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying when they meet at the Vasil Levski Stadium on Saturday night. Indeed, the hosts have lost both of their qualifying matches so far, while the visitors were thrashed 6-0 on home soil by Spain last time out.
Nonetheless, both teams will realistically be aiming to finish as the best runner-up to the reigning European champions in Group E. As such, this could end up being a six-pointer already in terms of the importance of the fixture.
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Bulgaria vs Turkey prediction: Visitors to emerge victorious?
Key stats
- Bulgaria have lost three games in a row in all competitions, and are winless in seven.
- Turkey have won four of their last six matches in total across all competitions.
- Turkey have won the previous two H2Hs to nil.
Correct score prediction: Bulgaria 0-2 Turkey
Bulgaria are really struggling to score goals at the moment, let alone win games. Turkey are a strong outfit as they rank 27th in the official FIFA world rankings, and so we are backing the visitors to record a fairly comfortable victory.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Turkey favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 10/1 (11.00) – 9.1%
- DRAW: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- AWAY: 1/4 (1.25) – 80.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Turkey are the big favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on their travels. A draw can be backed at just over 17%, while a Bulgaria victory on home soil is rated at just over 9%.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Turkey on top
As mentioned before, Turkey have won the previous two meetings between the two sides to nil. Their last H2H was over 10 years ago in 2015.
International Match 08/06/15
Turkey
Bulgaria
Bulgaria preview: No fresh concerns
Bulgaria have reported no fresh concerns in terms of injuries or suspensions in their squad ahead of this clash. Thus, the hosts will be expected to name their strongest possible starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Vutsov (GK); Minkov, Dmitrov, Bozhinov, Nedyalkov; Kraev, Tsenov; Petkov, Milanov, Kirilov & Nikolov
Last five results:
- Georgia 3-0 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 0-3 Spain
- Greece 4-0 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 2-2 Cyprus
- Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
Turkey preview: Familiar names expected
Turkey also have no fresh concerns in their squad to report as they prepare to head to Bulgaria. The visitors will be expected to name some familiar faces in their starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Cakir (GK); Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz & Akturkoglu
Last five results:
- Turkey 0-6 Spain
- Georgia 2-3 Turkey
- Mexico 1-0 Turkey
- USA 1-2 Turkey
- Hungary 0-3 Turkey
Player to watch: Kerem Akturkoglu
Kerem Akturkoglu scored a brace in Turkey's only win in qualifying so far, a 3-2 victory away at Georgia. He has netted a total of 14 times now for his country, and is certainly a major attacking threat that Bulgaria will have to try and keep quiet on Saturday.