Turkey - Bulgaria prediction, H2H and probable lineups – 15 November 2025
One of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches will take place on Saturday in Bursa, where the Turkish national team will host Bulgaria. The hosts are still in the hunt for the top spot in the group, while the visitors are playing their remaining games solely for pride. I suggest a bet on the outcome of this clash at an attractive odds.
Match preview
Turkey are having one of their most convincing qualifying campaigns in recent years: three wins in four games, including high-scoring victories over Bulgaria and Georgia in October, underline their claim to the top of the group. The only setback remains a heavy defeat to Spain, which complicates their chances of finishing first. Nevertheless, the team looks balanced, operates confidently in attack and maintains a high level of focus.
Squad depth will be a key factor - several players are sidelined through injury, but the core lineup remains strong. The Turks know that a victory will keep them in contention for top spot ahead of the decisive round, while a setback could push them into the playoff battle. Motivation is sky-high, especially after two spectacular performances in October.
For Bulgaria, this qualifying campaign has been nothing short of disastrous: four defeats in four matches, just one goal scored and 16 conceded. The team is going through a difficult period, showing a vulnerable defense and lacking cutting edge up front. Recent games against Spain and Turkey have only highlighted the squad's critical condition.
Despite this, the Bulgarian team can still cause problems for their opponents - they have nothing left to play for but pride and will be eager to break their losing streak. Some individual leaders continue to create chances, but overall resources may once again fall short against a powerful Turkish side.
Probable lineups
- Turkey: Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Akaydin; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Yilmaz, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu
- Bulgaria: Mitov; Popov, Chernev, Bozhinov, Georgiev; Shopov, Krastev, Gruev; Petkov, Despodov, Minchev
Match facts and head-to-head
- Turkey have won their last three matches against Bulgaria.
- Bulgaria have lost all their games in this qualifying campaign, conceding 16 goals.
- Turkey remain in the race for first place and will guarantee a top-two finish if they avoid defeat.
Prediction
Turkey are far superior to Bulgaria in terms of gameplay, current form, and squad quality. Given their powerful October performances and the visitors' shaky defense, the hosts look like clear favorites. I expect a confident win for Turkey.
