The reigning European champions return to action at the Bernabéu on Saturday as Spain hosts Georgia in their third 2026 World Cup qualifier. Luis de la Fuente’s men have started Group E in ruthless form, cruising past Bulgaria (3-0) and Turkey (6-0) to claim maximum points and sit comfortably at the top.
Spain have looked every bit the powerhouse their pedigree suggests. Their blend of technical precision and youthful hunger has made them one of the most fluid sides in Europe. La Roja have now gone 30 matches with just one defeat and haven’t trailed at half-time in their last 27 games across all competitions. Another win here would push them closer to an early qualification ticket.
For Georgia, this is both a test and an opportunity. Willy Sagnol’s side sits second in the group after bouncing back from a 3-2 defeat to Turkey with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria. They captured hearts at Euro 2024 with their fearless play and now dream of reaching their first-ever World Cup. But history offers little comfort; they’ve lost seven of their eight meetings with Spain, including a 7-1 thrashing in 2023. The Crusaders will again look to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for inspiration. The PSG winger, back from injury, leads a spirited side that includes Premier League and La Liga talents. Still, Georgia’s record on the road remains poor, and their defense has conceded in 13 straight away qualifiers, not ideal when facing Spain’s relentless attack.Spain vs Georgia: Key Stats
📊 Head-to-head: Spain 7 wins, Georgia 1 win
📊 Spain: Unbeaten in 29 of last 30 matches in all competitions
📊 Spain: No losses at half-time in last 27 games
📊 Georgia: Won just 3 of last 27 World Cup qualifiers
📊 Georgia: Conceded in 13 straight away World Cup qualifiers
📊 Georgia: Last 5 matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals
Predicted Lineups
Spain (4-3-3) 🔴 Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Pedri, Merino, Zubimendi; Olmo, Oyarzabal, F. Torres
Georgia (4-3-3) 🇬🇪 Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Azarovi; Gagnidze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili; Davitashvili, Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Dani Olmo – Clinical and creative on the left
🔹 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia’s star man, capable of moments of magic
🔹 Giorgi Mamardashvili – The goalkeeper who could decide how long Georgia hold on
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Draw: 9.35
💵 Georgia to win: 20.40
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.38
💵 Kvaratskhelia Anytime Goalscorer: 6.40
Spain are chasing a third straight win, Georgia are chasing history. Expect de la Fuente’s men to dominate possession, but if Kvaratskhelia sparks, the Bernabeu might just witness a scare.
