Spain Dominate Georgia 4-0 to Move Closer to World Cup 2026

Match Report

Spain delivered a commanding display, routing Georgia 4-0 on Saturday night in the fifth round of European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, at the Boris Paichadze stadium in Tbilisi.

The goals came from Mikel Oyarzabal (twice), Ferran Torres, and Martin Zubimendi, scored in the 11th, 22nd, 34th and 63rd minutes respectively. With the win, La Roja move to 15 points at the summit of Group 5, closing in on a spot at the World Cup, while Georgia sit on three points in third place.

Spain lined up with Unai Simón in goal, a forward line featuring Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal, and Martin Zubimendi in midfield. Georgia deployed Mamardashvili in goal and fielded a defensive setup, but Spain barely allowed them to settle as pressure mounted early.

The scoreline opened after six minutes when a Georgian defender was adjudged to have handled inside the area, with a penalty awarded following a VAR review. Oyarzabal converted with his left foot to put Spain ahead in the 11th minute.

The early breakthrough opened the floodgates. Two minutes later a rapidly moving Spanish attack created space on the left and, after a precise move, Zubimendi found himself in a goalscoring position and finished to double the lead in the 22nd minute, sending Spain on their way.

In the 34th minute, Ferran Torres tapped home from a short cross after a breakthrough run by Oyarzabal, extending the lead and tightening Spain’s grip on the game.

After the break, Spain continued to control the tempo. A first-half chance for Oyarzabal in the 46th minute was saved by the Georgian keeper, and Ferran Torres was denied again as the home defense held firm at times.

Georgia sought a response with a late chance around the 49th minute, but their attempts drifted wide as Spain maintained their superiority. In the 63rd minute, Oyarzabal headed in from a cross by Torres to complete the scoring at 4-0.

Late in the game, some substitutions followed as Spain looked to manage the minutes. Georgia created a couple of openings of their own, the best coming from a late strike that was saved by Simón, while Kvaratskhelia tested the Spanish defense with a late snapshot that was blocked.

Key quotes and lineup notes

Before the match, coach Luis de la Fuente sought to calm nerves amid off-field noise and insisted the priority is the present and the path to qualification, not headlines. He highlighted the need to protect players amid a congested schedule and underscored the importance of developing a strong squad for the World Cup campaign.

On the players, De la Fuente pointed to the balance between youth and experience, and the goal of maintaining a positive trajectory through the qualifiers. In addition, Martin Zubimendi spoke about the team’s unity and cautious approach: “Our strength lies in the cohesion; the results will follow if we stay focused.”

Spain have been impressive defensively, having conceded no goals in the current qualifiers up to this point, a reflection of both organization and collective will. The coach emphasized that the objective remains clear — win to secure advancement, while acknowledging that injuries and a heavy schedule are realities of modern football.

Georgian coach and players acknowledged the task was daunting against a well-drilled Spain side, but the hosts believed in creating chances and defending with commitment, even as the scoreline ended up favoring Spain decisively.

In summary, Spain’s 4-0 victory in Tbilisi not only showcased their attacking depth—Oyarzabal with a brace, Torres and Zubimendi chiming in—but also reinforced a defensive solidity that makes the team a strong favorite to qualify for the World Cup in 2026.

Two light-hearted notes to finish: Spain’s finishing was so precise that even the net looked like it had filed a restraining order against the ball. And if this performance is any guide, Georgia might want to hire a full-time sniper—of the goalkeeping variety—to keep up. The scoreboard doesn’t lie, and the jokes practically fly themselves when you see a 4-0 win in a European qualifier.