The Bulgarian national football team faces the Solomon Islands in their first match of the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Jakarta. The match starts at 10:30 Bulgarian time and will be a clash between Europe and Oceania.

Coach Alexander Dimitrov relies on a rejuvenated squad, which lacks some established names, but this gives a chance for many footballers to shine. For the first time in his career, Filip Krastev will lead the “lions” with the captain’s armband.

For the “tricolors,” this is the first match of the calendar year 2026, and the expectations are that the team will start with a convincing victory against their exotic opponent.

Despite the absence of some of the most experienced national players, there is confidence in the Bulgarian camp that the team will impose its style and control what is happening on the field.

The match is part of the friendly FIFA Series tournament, which allows teams from different continents to face each other.

STARTING LINEUPS:

Bulgaria: Daniel Naumov - Ivan Turitsov, Teodor Ivanov, Emil Tsenov, Hristiyan Petrov - Andrian Kraev, Dominik Yankov - Marin Petkov, Filip Krastev (c), Zdravko Dimitrov - Tonislav Yordanov Coach: Alexander Dimitrov

Solomon Islands: Philip Mango (C), David Supa, Gordon Iro, Javin Alik, Atkin Kaua, Don Keana, William Komasi, Junior David, Rovu Boyers, Rafael Leai, Bobby Leslie Coach: Ben Kan

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