Spain vs Georgia: La Roja field an attack-minded XI to seal Euro 2026 progress
11 October 2025
Spain name attacking XI and eye early qualification
In Elche, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente unveiled an attacking lineup for tonight’s Euro 2026 qualifier against Georgia, seeking to extend their grip on Group 5 after early wins in September.
Starting XI: Unai Simón in goal; defensive line featuring Pedro Porro, Pau Torres, Le Normand, and Marc Cucurella; midfield trio Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, and Mikel Merino; and a front three of Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal. The coach’s bold choice of a front-foot setup reflects confidence in pace and pressing from the home side.
Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol counters with a balanced setup, naming Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal; a back four of Kakabadze, Katsia, Gogichashvili, and Gotzulishvili; a midfield trio of Mikheil Kvitsurashvili, Kutsurashvili, and Ketishvili; and an attacking line of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Dvali, and Mikautadze. Notably, Kvatskhelia makes his first start after a 27-day injury layoff, adding star power to the visitors’ forward line.
The match carries extra weight for Spain, who head into the fixture with six points from two wins, while Georgia sit on three. Spain’s injury list remains a concern, with Nico Williams, Dani Carvajal, Javi, Fermin Lopez, and Fabian Ruiz out; Lamine Yamal withdrawing due to a fresh pelvic issue and Aymeric Laporte called up to cover defensive gaps. De la Fuente emphasized focus on the game and downplayed off-field debates surrounding selection.
The Spain coach praised the team’s leadership, highlighting captains Merino, Oyarzabal, and Torres and expressing faith in alternatives like Yeremy Pino to fill gaps left by returning stars. He also spoke warmly of Ansu Fati’s development and insisted the squad is not afraid to chase the highest levels of success.
In short, a crucial clash in Elche that could set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Spain leads Group 5 with 6 points, while Georgia sit second on 3.
Punchline time: Spain’s attackers are so hungry that even their warm-ups come with a side of baguette and a passport. And if injuries were a transfer window, Spain would be signing a full squad twice over just to keep up with the drama.
