Georgia vs Spain
Spain are one of the three European teams that boast a 100-per cent record in the ongoing World Cup 2026 qualifiers, and Luis de la Fuente’s men hope to keep it that way when they visit Georgia at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena on Saturday evening.
La Roja opened their qualifying with aplomb, beating Bulgaria (twice), Turkey, and Georgia, scoring 15 goals while conceding none on the defencive end. As a result, Spain are at the top of Group E with 12 points and have a three-point cushion over second-seeded Turkey, who will face Bulgaria this weekend.
On the other hand, Georgia cannot qualify directly for next year’s showpiece event because they’re third in the table with three points. However, Willy Sagnol’s side still has a puncher’s chance of qualifying for a play-off berth.
Talking Points
Kvaratskhelia won’t be alone to lead Georgia
Despite their poor history against Spain, Willy Sagnol’s Georgia will fancy their chances of an upset this weekend, as they have a stronger group, backstopped by their improved contingent in Europe’s Top 5 leagues.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is easily the Red Lions’ top export, given his exploits at Napoli and now at PSG. At just 24 years old, he is fast approaching the top spot in Georgia’s all-time scoring list. With 20 goals in 45 caps, he is seven goals away from leapfrogging Shota Arveladze and two goals away from surpassing teammate Georges Mikautadze.
Kvaratskhelia is not the only one who can give Spain problems, as Budu Zivzivadze is finding his feet at Heidenheim. The 31-year-old striker has eight goals in 38 caps and was named the Georgian Player of the Year in 2016. Sporting’s Giorgi Kochorashvili is also a handful to deal with in the middle of the park, while Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to be the main man between the sticks.
Unfortunately for the Red Lions, they might be without Georges Mikautadze due to fitness concerns. The 25-year-old striker is already too familiar with Spain, as he’s plying his trade at Villarreal this season.
Yamal dropped by Spain
Spain suffered a huge setback on Tuesday morning after Lamine Yamal was released from the national team ahead of the November international break. The Barcelona youngster recently underwent therapy to address his nagging groin injury.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente will reshuffle his deck, calling up Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos as Yamal’s replacement. Either way, La Roja are stacked with eye-catching talent from all sides of the pitch.
Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez would look to wreak havoc in the final third, while Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Fabian Ruiz will operate in midfield. Dean Huijsen, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Grimaldo, and skipper Unai Simon will man the back.
History
Saturday marks Georgia’s 10th competitive meeting against Spain. To the surprise of no one, Spain have been dominant in the overall head-to-heads with eight wins and one loss. The Crusaders’ lone win in this fixture was a 1-0 result during an international friendly in June 2016.
The last time these two nations met was in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Spain won 4-1 as Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo scored for La Roja, and Robin Le Normand had an own goal. Luis de la Fuente’s side eventually won the continental tournament after defeating Germany, France, and England.
Spain have always qualified for every World Cup since 1978, and they won their first in 2010. They are already qualified for 2030 as co-hosts alongside Morocco and Portugal. In stark contrast, Georgia have never qualified for the quadrennial tournament and are hoping to get in this time.
Betting Tip
The World Cup 2026 odds predict another win for Spain this Saturday. La Roja are 1.23 favourites to win, while Georgia are huge 9.00 underdogs, and a draw is at 5.50 in the 1X2 market. With the way things are going, Luis de la Fuente’s men may come out of the qualifiers with a flawless record.
Both teams should make it in this weekend’s World Cup 2026 highlights reel because of their collective firepower, but Spain have more in that regard. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP bettors may also consider adding Over 3.00 at 1.88, Over 3.25 at 2.14, and Total Goals 4-6 at 2.54 in the parlay. However, if you fancy a slightly low-scoring affair, then check out the Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of La Roja – the result of the reverse fixture – as it is pegged at 6.10.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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