Bulgaria vs Turkey prediction 11.10.2025 | World Cup qualifications

Bulgaria's glorious football days are long gone, as the last major tournament they participated in was the EURO in 2004, while the previous World Cup Bulgaria played was in 1998. The team that once had Hristo Stoichkov is now probably the worst in the current qualification group, and it would be a miracle if they find a way to the second position and the playoffs. Bulgaria lost five of the last six matches. In the previous game, they lost 3-0 on the road against Georgia. The home side ended the match with xG of 2.47, while the guests had only 0.33, so it is not a wonder that Bulgaria suffered another heavy defeat. 

Bulgaria suffered two terrible defeats in September, so the football association sacked the head coach, Ilian Iliev. At his place came Aleksandar Dimitrov. The new head coach has already made some changes, as Petko Hristov, Ivan Turitsov, Kiril Despodov, and Dimitar Velkovski returned to the squad. 

Bulgaria have huge problems in defense as they allowed ten goals in the last three matches. Fixing the defense will be the top priority for the new head coach, Aleksandar Dimitrov. 

Turkey have only two appearances at the World Cup tournaments. However, the team became pretty regular at the EUROs, and Turkey are obviously improving. Vincenzo Montella's team opened the current qualifications with a 3-2 victory in Georgia, but after that, Turkey lost 6-0 at home against Spain. Three points from the opening two matches is probably a good result, but Montella's team certainly didn't expect a heavy beating in the second round. With that defeat, it is obvious that Turkey will likely aim for second position in the group and the playoffs. 

Turkey's head coach, Vincenzo Montella, was very clear that his team will have two very important matches in October. He also said that Turkey's goal is to finish second on the table. 

Baris Yilmaz is suspended and will not play on Saturday night in Sofia.