Bulgaria vs Italy: World Cup head-to-head record
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Italy lead the Bulgaria vs Italy World Cup head-to-head record with 1 win and 1 draw from 2 all-time meetings, with Bulgaria yet to claim a victory. The two sides have met twice on the World Cup stage — once in the group phase and once at the semi-final stage — with Italy progressing on both occasions without ever suffering defeat.
The overall record reads: played 2, Bulgaria won 0, drawn 1, Italy won 1. Italy have scored 3 goals to Bulgaria's 2 across those two encounters.
All-time Bulgaria vs Italy World Cup results
The two nations first crossed paths at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where they were drawn in the same group. The match ended 1-1, earning Bulgaria a share of the spoils and giving them their only point against Italy on the world stage. It remains the solitary draw in this head-to-head.
The more dramatic and decisive encounter came eight years later at USA 1994. Bulgaria — one of the tournament's great surprise packages, having eliminated defending champions Germany in the quarter-finals — faced Italy in the semi-finals. Italy edged through 2-1, ending Bulgaria's fairytale run and booking their own place in the final. That result encapsulates the overall picture: Italy have been the dominant side whenever these two nations have met at a World Cup.
Full match-by-match record
Below is every World Cup meeting between Bulgaria and Italy:
| Year | Round | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Group stage (Matchday 1) | Bulgaria 1–1 Italy | Draw |
| 1994 | Semi-finals | Bulgaria 1–2 Italy | Italy |
Fans looking to follow any future meetings between these sides — or track the full 2026 World Cup schedule — can head to Bola 2026 to check live scores and build their bracket.
Frequently asked questions
Have Bulgaria ever beaten Italy at the World Cup?
No. Bulgaria have never beaten Italy in a World Cup match. Across two meetings, Italy have won once and drawn once, keeping a perfect unbeaten record against Bulgaria on the world stage.
When did Bulgaria and Italy last play each other at the World Cup?
The last World Cup meeting between Bulgaria and Italy was at USA 1994, in the semi-finals. Italy won 2-1, eliminating Bulgaria from the tournament.
What was the score when Bulgaria and Italy met at the 1986 World Cup?
Bulgaria and Italy drew 1-1 in their 1986 World Cup group-stage match in Mexico. It remains the only drawn game between the two nations at a World Cup.