Our Turkey vs Bulgaria prediction reveals possible outcomes as the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers continue this November.
Explore the thrilling highlights as Turkey vs. Bulgaria stands out among several weekend matches in the November World Cup Qualifiers, setting the stage for a compelling competition.
Are the Crescent Stars inching their way to join the list of qualified teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
For even more predictions, results, and analysis, track down our World Cup 2036 coverage.
Turkey vs Bulgaria: Match information
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA, Group E
- Stadium: Bursa Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu (Bursa)
- Date: 15 Nov 2025
Match Preview
Turkey resumes its chase for a spot in the World Cup when it hosts Bulgaria in Bursa.
The Crescent Stars are running second behind Spain in Group E with nine points on a 3-0-1 (win-draw-loss) record.
Turkey is seeking its second World Cup appearance, and its first since 2002.
Bulgaria, on the other hand, remains winless after four matches.
To stay updated on all developments, check our World Cup 2026 schedules and fixtures.
Georgia vs Spain: Team Standings
Group E
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draw | Losses | Points | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | |
| 2 | Turkey | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | |
| 3 | Georgia | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | |
| 4 | Bulgaria | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Form Guide
Turkey
Bulgaria
Turkey has shown tactical discipline, capitalizing on set pieces and quick transitions in their recent four wins out of six matches.
Their defense has tightened, conceding just two goals in those victories, while their attack efficiently converts chances, often through wide play.
The Crescent Stars defeated Bulgaria (6-1) and Georgia (4-1) to stay behind Spain in Group E.
Bulgaria has struggled with defensive organization, often conceding early goals due to lapses in concentration.
Offensively, their build-up play lacks penetration, and five losses in six matches reflect their inability to maintain possession under pressure.
The Lions last tasted a win on November 16, 2024, when they defeated Luxembourg, 1-0.
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Head-to-Head
| Date | Competition | Home team | Away Team | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2025 | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (UEFA) | Turkey | Bulgaria | ||
| October 12, 2025 | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers (UEFA) | Bulgaria | Turkey | Turkey | 6-1 |
| June 9, 2015 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 4-0 |
| May 29, 2012 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 2-0 |
| August 17, 2005 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 3-1 |
| August 26, 1992 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 3-2 |
| August 21, 1991 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Draw | 0-0 |
| October 16, 1984 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Draw | 0-0 |
| December 22, 1982 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 1-0 |
| September 21, 1977 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 3-1 |
| February 16, 1977 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 2-0 |
| September 22, 1976 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Draw | 2-2 |
| May 8 , 1974 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 5-1 |
| April 18, 1973 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 5-2 |
| April 12, 1972 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 4-2 |
| October 9 , 1968 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 2-0 |
| May 9 , 1965 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 4-1 |
| December 20, 1964 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Draw | 0-0 |
| November 27, 1960 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 2-1 |
| July 12, 1958 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Draw | 0-0 |
| April 11, 1932 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 3-2 |
| September 27, 1931 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Bulgaria | 5-1 |
| October 14, 1927 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Turkey | 3-1 |
| July 17, 1927 | International Friendly | Bulgaria | Turkey | Draw | 3-3 |
| April 10, 1925 | International Friendly | Turkey | Bulgaria | Turkey | 2-1 |
Source: Transfermarkt.com
Turkey has won four of its last five head-to-head (H2H) matchups against Bulgaria.
This includes the Crescent Stars’ convincing 6-1 rout in an October World Cup qualifier match on October 12, 2025.
Overall, Bulgaria is slightly ahead with a 10-6-8 (win-draw-loss) record.
However, all of the Lions’ victories came in friendlies, including a 3-1 decision on April 17, 2005.
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Players to Watch
Turkey (Crescent Stars)
| Player | Position | Matches Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenan Yildiz | Forward | 4 | 3 |
| Merih Demiral | Defender | 4 | 2 |
| Karem Akturkoglu | Forward | 4 | 2 |
Bulgaria (The Lions)
| Player | Position | Matches Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radoslav Kirilov | Forward | 4 | 1 |
Source: ESPN
Turkey vs Bulgaria Prediction and Scoreline
Turkey 3-1 Bulgaria
Expect Turkey to capitalize on its high pressing and recent attacking confidence, bolstered by home support and a winning streak, to dominate Bulgaria. The Crescent Stars’ midfield control and efficient finishing should overcome Bulgaria’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Turkey seeks the momentum of their 6-1 drubbing of the Lions in October 2025 and resume its World Cup quest.
Bulgaria has a balanced head-to-head history but faces psychological and organizational challenges after losing five of its past six matches.
Their current form and fragile defense may hinder their ability to capitalize on early opportunities.
The Lions may trouble the Crescent Stars in the opening minutes, but Kenan Yildiz, Merih Demiral, and the rest of the Turkish side are likely to overwhelm the visitors.
Check out your favorite team’s real-time chances by visiting our fresh World Cup Odds here.
What’s Next?
Turkey: Complete its UEFA World Cup November Qualifiers schedule.
Bulgaria: Returns to Sofia to host the Bulgaria vs Georgia fixture on 19 Nov 2025.
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