Spain continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign on Saturday evening when they host regular adversaries Georgia in Elche.
The two nations have crossed paths plenty over recent years, with five meetings since the beginning of 2021. Unsurprisingly, Spain have dominated said duels, winning all five and racking up an impressive 20 goals in the process. Four of those goals came at Euro 2024 as Luis de la Fuente’s side overpowered Georgia in the last 16.
Spain, currently FIFA’s highest-ranked nation, blitzed Bulgaria and Türkiye in their opening two World Cup qualifiers, recovering well from disappointment in the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal. They scored nine and kept back-to-back clean sheets during September’s matches and are well-placed to earn another victory over Georgia.
Georgia have little chance of pulling off an upset against La Roja, but will still harbour hopes of reaching an expanded World Cup next summer. They recovered from a home defeat to Türkiye by beating Bulgaria 3–0 last month, and they will be competing with the former for second place in Group E.
Spain are struggling with injuries to high-profile players for the October break, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Nico Williams and Gavi among those sidelined with fitness concerns. Dean Huijsen has joined them, too, withdrawing from the squad with a groin injury and swiftly being followed by Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.
There is still ridiculous quality throughout the Spain camp and plenty of Premier League representation. Arsenal duo Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino should start in midfield, the latter netting a hat-trick against Türkiye last month, while Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro could feature in the backline.
Willy Sagnol will be desperate to have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia available for the clash with Spain following his recent struggles with injury, but the Paris Saint-Germain star should feature on Saturday night.
Giorgi Mamardashvili will start between the sticks and Liverpool will be eager to see him come through the international period unscathed given their first-choice stopper Alisson is currently in the treatment room.
Georges Mikautadze enters the game in strong form following his move to Villarreal, with goals in back-to-back games. He will be key to Georgia’s slim hopes of an upset.
