The opening match of the FIFA Series 2026 witnessed a commanding performance as Bulgaria triumphed over the Solomon Islands with a resounding 10-3 victory. This high-scoring encounter unfolded at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Friday, March 27, setting an electrifying tone for the tournament.
For this inaugural fixture, Bulgaria’s starting lineup featured Daniel Naumov, Emil Tsenov, Teodor Ivanov, Hristiyan Petrov, Kraev Andrian, Dimitrov Zdravko, captain Filip Krastev, Marin Petkov, Ivan Turitsov, Dominik Yankov, and Yordanov Tonislav. Across the pitch, the Solomon Islands’ starting XI included Mango Philip, Supa David, Iro Gordon, Alick Javin, Kaua Atkin, Leai Raphael, Leslie Bobby, Boyers Rovu, David Junior, Komasi William, and Keana Don, ready to face the European challenge.
Bulgaria initiated the match with blistering intensity, swiftly taking the lead just five minutes into the first half through Marin Petkov. Their momentum continued unabated, as Yordanov Tonislav calmly converted a penalty shortly after, extending their advantage. However, the Solomon Islands showed resilience, narrowing the deficit in the 29th minute when Leai Raphael expertly dispatched a penalty kick following a foul in Bulgaria’s box, bringing the score to 2-1.
Undeterred, Bulgaria quickly reasserted their dominance. Filip Krastev found the back of the net with a close-range shot in the 39th minute, and just five minutes later, he impressively headed in another goal. As the first half drew to a close, Marin Petkov added a fifth goal for Bulgaria during injury time, ensuring they headed into halftime with a commanding 5-1 lead, leaving the Solomon Islands with a significant challenge ahead.
The second half commenced with no less intensity from the Bulgarian side. In the 59th minute, Vladimir Nicolov seized possession in the Solomon Islands’ defensive third, expertly finishing the chance to make it 6-1. Soon after, in the 64th minute, Georgi Rusev slotted home a penalty, awarded after the Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper committed a foul, further solidifying Bulgaria’s lead. Just two minutes later, Kristiyan Balov effortlessly tapped the ball into an open net, receiving a pass from the right flank, pushing the score to a formidable 8-1.
Despite the overwhelming deficit, Leai Raphael showcased individual brilliance once more for the Solomon Islands, unleashing a powerful left-footed strike in the 70th minute to notch his second goal of the game, making it 8-2. However, Bulgaria maintained their relentless attack. Vladimir Nikolov capped off the impressive performance with two additional goals in the 81st minute and deep into stoppage time at 90+3 minutes, ultimately sealing a comprehensive 10-3 victory for Bulgaria. Looking ahead, Bulgaria is now set to face the winner of the highly anticipated match between Indonesia and Saint Kitts and Nevis in the final.
Summary
The opening match of the FIFA Series 2026 witnessed a commanding performance as Bulgaria defeated the Solomon Islands with a resounding 10-3 victory at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, March 27. Bulgaria quickly established an early 2-0 lead before Leai Raphael converted a penalty for the Solomon Islands, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. However, Bulgaria responded strongly, taking a significant 5-1 lead into halftime with goals from Filip Krastev and Marin Petkov.
Bulgaria continued their dominance in the second half, adding further goals including a penalty from Georgi Rusev, while Leai Raphael scored his second for the Solomon Islands. Vladimir Nikolov sealed Bulgaria’s comprehensive 10-3 win with two late goals, bringing the total penalties awarded in the match to three. Following this victory, Bulgaria is set to face the winner of the match between Indonesia and Saint Kitts and Nevis.