Match Preview for Georgia v Spain

Spain head to Tbilisi on Saturday knowing that a win would leave them virtually assured of a place at the 2026 World Cup with a game to spare.

Luis de la Fuente’s side sit top of Group E on 12 points, three clear of Turkey, and have yet to concede in their qualifying campaign.

Georgia’s situation is far more complicated. With only three points from their first four matches, they need to beat both Spain and Bulgaria while hoping Turkey lose their remaining two fixtures.

It is a steep climb for a team that impressed at Euro 2024 but has struggled to carry that momentum into this campaign.

Their last meeting with Spain came in the Euro 2024 last-16, a 4-1 defeat that underlined the gulf between the sides. Georgia have only beaten La Roja once, in a 2016 friendly.

Team news for Georgia v Spain

Georgia will be without Otar Kakabadze and Georges Mikautadze, the latter a major loss given his 21 goals in 41 appearances.

Budu Zivzivadze and Giorgi Kvilitaia are expected to lead the line, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia once again central to their attacking hopes.

Giorgi Mamardashvili should start in goal, while Guram Kashia is set for appearance number 127.

Spain are missing a number of key players. Lamine Yamal is unavailable after a minor groin procedure, while Rodri, Pedri and Nico Williams are also out injured.

Despite this, De la Fuente still has strong options, with Ferran Torres likely to operate through the middle and Mikel Oyarzabal and Alex Baena supporting from wide areas.

Arsenal pair Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are expected to anchor the midfield.

Expected line-ups for Georgia v Spain

Georgia: Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Gocholeishvili; Kiteishvili, Mekvabishvili, Kochorashvili; Zivzivadze, Kvilitaia, Kvaratskhelia

Spain: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Oyarzabal, Torres, Baena

How to watch Georgia v Spain: TV channel, online stream

Georgia v Spain will kick-off at 5:00pm UK time, on Saturday, November 15. It will be available to watch on Amazon Prime.

The stats for Georgia v Spain

  • Georgia have collected 3 points from 4 qualifiers so far
  • Georgia have never reached a World Cup finals
  • Spain have 12 points from 4 games, a flawless record
  • Georgia have lost 8 of their 9 games against Spain
  • Georgia’s last competitive meeting with Spain ended 4-1 at Euro 2024

Prediction

Spain’s absences offer Georgia a glimmer of hope, and the hosts have shown before that they can create uncomfortable moments when playing at home.

Even so, La Roja retain enough depth and control to manage the occasion, and their defensive record suggests they should handle what Georgia can offer.

Prediction: Georgia 0-2 Spain