Bulgaria vs Mexico: World Cup head-to-head record
Last updated
Mexico hold the edge over Bulgaria in World Cup history, winning one and drawing one across their two meetings, with Bulgaria yet to record a victory. The sides have met twice at the FIFA World Cup — both times in the Round of 16 — in 1986 and 1994, making their head-to-head record one of the more intriguing knockout-stage rivalries between these two nations.
In total, Mexico have claimed one win to Bulgaria's none, with one draw separating them across those two knock-out encounters. Bulgaria's only point came via a dramatic penalty shootout victory in 1994 — meaning Mexico actually scored more goals across the 90 minutes of both fixtures.
Match-by-match World Cup record: Bulgaria vs Mexico
The two nations first clashed at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where the hosts enjoyed home advantage in the Round of 16. Mexico were the stronger side on the day, running out 2-0 winners to progress comfortably to the quarter-finals. Bulgaria were eliminated without troubling the scoreboard.
Their second — and to date final — World Cup encounter came eight years later at the 1994 tournament in the United States. Again it was the Round of 16, and again it was tight. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending the tie to a penalty shootout. This time Bulgaria had the last laugh, converting three of their spot-kicks while Mexico managed just one, sending the Eastern Europeans through in one of the tournament's memorable upsets. Bulgaria went on to reach the semi-finals of USA '94, their best-ever World Cup finish.
With no World Cup meetings since 1994, this head-to-head remains frozen in time — a two-game story of contrasting outcomes, both at the knockout stage. Fans hoping for a third chapter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup can follow any potential encounter and track live scores at Bola 2026. Below is the complete match record.
Full head-to-head table: Bulgaria vs Mexico at the World Cup
| Year | Round | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Round of 16 | Mexico 2-0 Bulgaria | Mexico |
| 1994 | Round of 16 | Mexico 1-1 Bulgaria (pens 1-3) | Bulgaria |
Frequently asked questions
Have Bulgaria ever beaten Mexico at the World Cup?
Bulgaria have never beaten Mexico in 90 minutes at a World Cup. Their only victory came via a penalty shootout at the 1994 Round of 16, after the match finished 1-1. In regulation time across both meetings, Mexico have the better record.
When did Bulgaria beat Mexico on penalties at the World Cup?
Bulgaria eliminated Mexico on penalties at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Bulgaria won the shootout 3-1. They went on to finish fourth at that tournament — their best-ever World Cup result.
How many times have Bulgaria and Mexico met at the World Cup?
Bulgaria and Mexico have met exactly twice at the FIFA World Cup, in 1986 and 1994. Both meetings came in the Round of 16. Mexico won the 1986 encounter 2-0, while Bulgaria advanced via penalties in 1994 after a 1-1 draw.