Spain Clash with Georgia: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups and What to Expect

Spain advance their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey on Saturday night as they welcome familiar opponents Georgia in Elche.

These two teams have encountered each other frequently in recent times, meeting five occasions since early 2021. As expected, Spain have controlled these encounters, claiming victory in all five matches while accumulating an outstanding 20 goals throughout. Four of these strikes occurred during Euro 2024 when Luis de la Fuente's squad overwhelmed Georgia in the round of 16.

Spain, presently FIFA's top-ranked team, demolished Bulgaria and Türkiye in their initial two World Cup qualifying fixtures, bouncing back effectively from setback in the UEFA Nations League final versus Portugal. They netted nine goals and maintained consecutive clean sheets during September's contests and are favorably positioned to secure another triumph over Georgia.

Georgia possess minimal opportunity of achieving an upset against La Roja, yet will maintain aspirations of qualifying for an enlarged World Cup next summer. They rebounded from a domestic loss to Türkiye by defeating Bulgaria 3–0 last month, and they will be vying with the latter for runner-up position in Group E.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.

What Time Does Spain vs. Georgia Kick-Off?

Spain vs. Georgia Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Spain vs. Georgia on TV and Live Stream

Spain Team News

Spain are dealing with injuries to prominent players for the October international window, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Nico Williams and Gavi among those unavailable due to fitness issues. Dean Huijsen has joined their ranks as well, pulling out of the squad with a groin problem and quickly followed by Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo.

There remains exceptional talent throughout the Spain roster and substantial Premier League presence. Arsenal pair Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are expected to start in midfield, with the latter scoring a treble against Türkiye last month, while Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro may feature in defense.

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Georgia

Spain predicted lineup vs. Georgia (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsí, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Pino, Oyarzabal, Torres

Georgia Team News

Willy Sagnol will be anxious to have Khvicha Kvaratskhelia available for the match against Spain following his recent injury troubles, but the Paris Saint-Germain talent should participate on Saturday evening.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will take his place in goal and Liverpool will be keen to see him navigate the international break safely given their primary goalkeeper Alisson is currently sidelined with injury.

Georges Mikautadze approaches the fixture in excellent form after his transfer to Villarreal, having scored in consecutive matches. He will be crucial to Georgia's modest chances of causing an upset.

Georgia Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Georgia predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Lochoshvili; Gagnidze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Davitashvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.

Spain vs. Georgia Score Prediction

Spain have overwhelmed Georgia in recent encounters, including a 7–1 triumph in September 2023, and should experience no difficulty securing another commanding victory despite several notable absences.

La Roja won't require maximum effort to maintain their flawless record in Group E, with another impressive scoring display and shutout anticipated.

Georgia will harbor hopes of a memorable result or better, but these aspirations will likely be dashed early in Elche.

Prediction: Spain 4–0 Georgia