Spain lineup vs. Bulgaria: Predicted XI for 2026 World Cup qualifier with Yamal, Williams to resume formidable partnership

Lamine Yamal is expected to resume his formidable attacking partnership with Nico Williams in Spain's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Thursday.

At one point in the summer, it looked as though Yamal would play alongside the 23-year-old at Barcelona; however, Williams ultimately stayed put at Athletic Bilbao due to concerns about whether the Catalan giants would be able to register him.

However, Yamal and Williams will get the chance to prove how dangerous that they can be on the same team when they take up the wide positions for Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia.

Yamal and Williams could be joined in the front three by Mikel Oyarzabal, although Luis de la Fuente does have the option to start Ferran Torres ahead of the Real Sociedad attacker.

In midfield, Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi could be given the nod over Rodri, who is still working his way back to match fitness following his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Barcelona duo of Pedri and Dani Olmo are also set to start in the middle of the park for the start of Spain's journey to the 2026 World Cup.

Dean Huijsen is in line to feature in centre defence with Robin Le Normand, while Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro and Chelsea's Marc Cucurella should operate as the two full-backs.

Unai Simon is still regarded as Spain's first-choice goalkeeper, meaning Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya will have to settle for a place on the bench. 

In regard to injuries, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz and Yeremy Pino have all pulled out of the squad, leading to the call-ups of Aleix Garcia and Jorge de Frutos. 

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Olmo; Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal