VALLADOLID, Spain :Mikel Merino scored twice as Spain eased to a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria on Tuesday, maintaining their flawless start to Europe's World Cup Qualifiers and moving closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Merino opened the scoring with a header in the 35th minute and doubled Spain's lead in the 56th with another header.

Bulgaria's woes deepened in the 79th minute when defender Atanas Chernev turned a cross into his own net while Mikel Oyarzabal completed the rout in added time, converting a penalty after Merino was brought down in the area.

Spain's dominance in Group E remains unchallenged, with Luis de la Fuente's side leading the standings with 12 points from four matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding none.

They are followed by Turkey on nin

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