Bulgarian media react to Turkey’s victory: 'A miserable story, an honorable defeat'
Turkey’s National Football Team secured a crucial 2-0 win over Bulgaria in the fifth match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group E, clinching their spot in the play-offs. While Turkey celebrated another strong performance, the Bulgarian press heavily criticized their national team after yet another disappointing defeat.
With the 2-0 win, Turkey increased their points tally to 12, securing their place in the play-off stage. The 12 group winners in the European qualifiers will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the remaining four spots will be determined through play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up and four Nations League teams. The play-off matches will take place in March 2026.
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This victory marked Turkey’s fourth win in five matches, placing them second in the group. Bulgaria, still without a single point, remain at the bottom. Elsewhere in the group, Spain defeated Georgia 4-0 to maintain their lead with 15 points. Turkey will play their final group match against Spain on November 18 in Seville. If Turkey win, the two teams will be level on points, and the group winner will be determined by goal difference—currently +19 for Spain and +5 for Turkey.
Following the match, Bulgarian media outlets delivered harsh assessments of their national team’s performance. Here are the main reactions:
Bulgarian Media Headlines & Commentary
24Chasa: “A Minimally Painful Loss in the Qualifiers”
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“Everyone expected us to lose heavily. We lost, but only 0–2—and that after a penalty and an own goal. Turkey controlled the game, and Montella’s players played almost at training speed. After this defeat, we remain last in the group with Spain and Georgia. Our national team has no meaning.”
TOPSPORT: “An Honorable Defeat”
“Bulgaria suffered their fifth consecutive loss in the qualifiers, but this time it was a slightly more honorable defeat. After a timid start, Bulgaria improved as the game progressed but still lost by two goals. Now Bulgaria will host Georgia in an effort to avoid repeating a 91-year-old negative record and earn their first point.”
Dnevnik: “Turkey Beat Bulgaria 2-0 in World Cup Qualifier”
“Bulgaria lost their fifth match in the World Cup qualifiers. The ‘Lions’ were defeated 0–2 in Bursa. Bulgaria has not won an away match in European or World Cup qualifying for more than 10 years.”
GOl: “Good Performance by Our Standards”
“By our own standards, Bulgaria played reasonably well and fought, but still lost. With this defeat to Turkey, Bulgaria is officially a football dwarf. Our World Cup qualifying record is negative: 65 wins, 37 draws, and 66 losses, with a goal difference of 238 scored and 262 conceded.”
Dnes: “Turkey Beat Us, We’re Still at the Bottom”
“Bulgaria remain without points after another defeat in Turkey. The national team lost 0–2 after missing a penalty and conceding an own goal.”
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DSport: “We Fell Into the Crocodile’s Mouth”
“A penalty and an own goal fed the ‘Crocodile.’ Bulgaria showed their teeth in Bursa but still lost 2–0. Bulgaria fell into the crocodile’s jaws with a penalty and an own-goal.”
SEGA: “Turkey Only Beat Us 2–0”
“‘Nothing surprises me anymore,’ said head coach Aleksandr Dimitrov before the match, and he was right. Another mediocre performance and a 0–2 loss. Let’s not forget the 1–6 match in Sofia on October 11. After five matches, we have scored only one goal and collected zero points (1:18). A miserable story. Maybe on the 18th against Georgia we’ll score again and celebrate…”
Plovdiv24: “We Played Well but Suffered a Fifth Straight Defeat”
“Bulgaria played better this time but still suffered their fifth consecutive loss in Group E. With zero points, Dimitrov’s team remains at the bottom, while Turkey sits second with 12 points.”
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BGonAir: “A Familiar Defeat”
“Bulgaria, as usual, lost to Turkey and remain on zero points. The match was played in front of nearly 40,000 fans at Bursa’s Timsah Arena. A penalty and an own goal sealed the defeat.”
Frog News: “Turkey Beat Bulgaria 2–0 in the World Cup Qualifiers”
“Turkey defeated Bulgaria 2–0 in Bursa. Hakan Çalhanoğlu scored the opener from the penalty spot, and Atanas Tsarnev scored an own goal late in the game. After five weeks, we have zero points. Our qualifying statistics continue to worsen: 65 wins, 37 draws, 66 losses; 238 goals scored, 262 conceded.”
Corner: “Fifth Defeat in Five Matches”
“Alexander Dimitrov’s team lost 0–2 to Turkey in Bursa and remain without points. Bulgaria have now lost all five of their matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”
