Turkey will welcome Bulgaria to Timsah Arena for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday, 15 November 2025.
View our free Turkey vs Bulgaria predictions below.
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Turkey vs Bulgaria predictions: Goals expected to flow
Key stats
- Turkey’s last four matches have gone above the 4.5-goal line.
- Bulgaria saw their defence breached 10 times in their last two games alone.
- Turkey were victorious in the last three meetings between these sides.
Correct score prediction: Turkey 4-1 Bulgaria
Bulgaria's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has gone as badly as it can get, as they have suffered four defeats in as many games, conceding four goals per match in the process.
Turkey, on the other hand, have earned three wins in four qualifying matches. They also came out on top in their last three meetings with Bulgaria.
Taking everything into account, we are confident that Bulgaria's woes will continue.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Turkey are odds-on favourites
- HOME: 1/12 (1.08) – 92.3%
- DRAW: 10/1 (11.00) – 9.1%
- AWAY: 25/1 (26.00) – 3.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
With two matches remaining, it is impossible for Bulgaria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Aleksandar Dimitrov’s troops are at the bottom of Group E, having lost all their qualifying games.
On the other hand, second-placed Turkey will be guaranteed a top-two spot if they do not lose this match. They could still earn an automatic spot in the next FIFA World Cup but would need to win their two remaining games by a considerable margin.
Given Bulgaria's abysmal run of results, it is unsurprising that Turkey are the expected winners at 1/12 (1.08). Teams with these odds usually have a 92.3% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Turkey vs Bulgaria predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that Bulgaria conceded six goals at home in the reverse fixture, over 3.5 Turkey goals has an appealing look at 13/10 (2.30). That one has a 43.5% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Turkey's dominance to continue?
There have been three meetings between these teams in the last two decades, and Turkey were victorious every time. This includes a 6-1 victory in the reverse fixture last month.
International Match 08/06/15
Turkey
Bulgaria
Turkey preview: No new absentees
Head coach Vincenzo Montella will not be able to rely on Irfan Can Kahveci for this match, as the Fenerbahce midfielder is out injured. Otherwise, the rest of the team is in fine shape.
Kerem Akturkoglu has scored 14 goals in 48 caps for his country and is set to feature in the final third of the field once again, with rising youngsters Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler also expected to start.
Hakan Calhanoglu will captain the team from the middle of midfield, while Merih Demiral should be joined by Abdulkerim Bardakci at the back.
Predicted lineup: Cakir (GK), Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu, Yuksek, Calhanoglu, Aydin, Guler, Yildiz & Akturkoglu.
Last five matches
- Turkey 4-1 Georgia
- Bulgaria 1-6 Turkey
- Turkey 0-6 Spain
- Georgia 2-3 Turkey
- Mexico 1-0 Turkey
Bulgaria preview: Hoping to halt their losing streak
With no injuries for Bulgaria, it is expected that Kiril Despodov starts at the tip of their attack for Saturday's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Turkey, with the striker going in search of his 16th goal for the national team.
At the back, Aberdeen's Dimitar Mitov is the most experienced goalkeeper in the squad with 12 caps, and he will most likely get the nod between the sticks for the visitors ahead of Svetoslav Vutsov.
Predicted lineup: Mitov (GK), Petkov, Chernev, Hristov, Nedyalkov, Kirilov, Filip, Gruev, Shopov, Minchev & Despodov.
Last five matches
- Spain 4-0 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 1-6 Turkey
- Georgia 3-0 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 0-3 Spain
- Greece 4-0 Bulgaria
Player to watch: Arda Guler
Arda Guler put in an impressive performance in the reverse fixture, scoring once and providing two assists in Turkey's 6-1 win. The Real Madrid midfielder will fancy his chances against Bulgaria once again.