Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
The absence of Lamine Yamal from Spain’s squad, unfortunately for their supporters, has become the norm. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona was named in the call-up list for the team, but before the game against Georgia he was ruled out with another injury. Even so, in Tbilisi Spain, the reigning winners of the UEFA European Championship, should cope without their main star.
Georgia
A month ago Georgia failed to put up a fight to their rivals for the top two. First, the hosts offered nothing in attack in Elche against Spain (0:2 and 0.01-3.93 in xG), and then they made a series of mistakes at home to Turkey (1:4). Opponents have become used to tight marking on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and without Georges Mikautadze in top form, the Paris Saint-Germain forward simply lacks strong partners.
Spain
Like Spain, the other finalist of the recent Euro 2024, they have closed out all qualifying games with clean-sheet wins. By matchday five the Spaniards arrive with a powerful 15 goals from four outings — most of the work has been done by the former Real Sociedad duo of Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal, who combined for 9+3. Even without Lamine Yamal in October, Spain confidently beat Georgia and Bulgaria (4:0).
Georgia vs Spain Prediction
Georgia’s discouraging goal difference in qualifying (6:9) shows they were unlucky with the draw. At home to Spain, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his teammates will have chances, but the opponents’ level is too high — we prefer Spain on the handicap.
