Overview
Georgia has only earned 3 points after 4 matches in Group E, with the only home win against Bulgaria in September. They are currently third on the rankings.
The team lost both of their matches in October against Spain and Türkiye. They are currently facing a difficult task of winning a place in the play-off round.
In fact, coach Willy Sagnol's team needs to defeat both Spain and Bulgaria in the last 2 matches. At the same time, Turkey hopes to lose both remaining matches against Bulgaria and Spain.
Georgia has never reached the World Cup finals, but they have participated in EURO 2024, reached the round of 16 and attracted great attention from fans.
At EURO 2024, Georgia lost 1-4 to Spain in the round of 16. In history, they have lost 8 of their 9 times against La Roja, with the only win being a friendly in June 2016.
Spain played perfectly in Group E, winning all 4 matches, earning 12 points and leading the group, officially approaching the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Luis de la Fuente's team is almost certain to win if they defeat Georgia, even if Turkey defeats Bulgaria, thanks to a superior goal difference (+15 compared to +3 for Turkey).
A draw is enough for La Roja to secure the top spot if Turkey loses. However, De la Fuente's team will aim for all 3 points, because a defeat could open up an opportunity for the second team.
In the two matches in October, Spain defeated Georgia 2-0 and Bulgaria 4-0, and did not concede any goals, demonstrating their superior strength.
La Roja are the reigning European champions after their win over England in the EURO 2024 final. They also won the 2010 World Cup, but their last two appearances ended in the round of 16.
Personnel situation
Georgia will enter this match with a big loss when Otar Kakabadze and Georges Mikautadze are absent due to injury. Mikautadze's absence is particularly noteworthy, having scored 21 goals in 41 caps for the national team.
Giorgi Kvilitaia and Budu Zivzivadze are expected to lead the attack, while star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will start. The home team will be looking forward to Paris Saint-Germain's striker bringing inspiration to the attack.
In other positions, Liverpool's Giorgi Mamardashvili and Slovan Bratislava's Guram Kashia are notable players. In which, Kashia will have his 127th match for the Georgia team.
On the Spanish side, Lamine Yamal was absent due to withdrawal after a groin surgery that La Roja said they had no information of.
Rodri, Pedri and Nico Williams are also absent due to injury, but the Spanish squad is still very high quality. Ferran Torres - who has scored 22 goals in 51 matches - will be given the opportunity in the center position.
Arsenal's player duo, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, are expected to continue to play an important role in midfield. Meanwhile, Mikel Oyarzabal and Alex Baena are also likely to start.
Expected lineup:
Georgia: Mamardashvili, Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Gocholeishvili, Kiteishvili, Mekvabishvili, Kochorashvili, Zivzivadze, Kvilitaia, Kvaratskhelia.
Spain: Simon, Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella, Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz, Oyarzabal, F. Torres, Baena.
The match between Georgia and Spain takes place at 0:00 on November 16 (Vietnam time).
