Spain’s Bold Dream: Four-Goal Masterclass Leaves World Cup 2026 Hopes Hanging by a Thread

Match recap

Spain hammered Georgia 4-0 in the fifth round of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi. The goals came from Mikel Oyarzabal at 11 and 63 minutes, Ferran Torres at 22, and Martin Zubimendi at 34, lifting La Roja to the top of Group 5 with 15 points while Georgia stay on 3.

Despite a convincing win, qualification is not yet guaranteed mathematically. Spain must stay focused for the final group game. Ferran Torres described the match as almost perfect and said the team leaves with confidence and a good feeling, but emphasized that qualification is not guaranteed and the focus remains on the last match.

Torres also urged not to underestimate the opponents and to avoid overconfidence, underscoring that the task remains in their own hands a step at a time.

Oyarzabal, who reached 23 international goals, called the milestone historic and said the dream is to be among Spain’s top scorers alongside legends like Ramos and Di Stefano. He added that the assist from Oyarzabal for the goal was a quick, well-timed move that opened space and delivered a perfect pass.

Martin Zubimendi, who scored the fourth, expressed satisfaction with his contribution but noted that there is still room for improvement, especially in pressing. He observed that Georgia managed to disrupt Spain at times by possessing the ball, but the collective defensive response and discipline were solid. He also stressed that one more game remains and every player will get a chance to seize it.

On the night Spain controlled the contest, with Oyarzabal scoring twice, Torres adding one and Zubimendi another, while the Georgians could not respond. The final blow came in the 63rd minute when Oyarzabal headed in a precise cross from Torres, sealing the result.

Spain’s starting XI featured Unai Simón in goal with a solid defense and a midfield that included Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino, while the forward line was anchored by Ferran Torres and Oyarzabal, with Baena providing support. Georgia started with Mamardashvili in goal, trying to resist the waves of Spain’s attack.

In the closing stages, substitutes helped maintain tempo, and Spain sealed a comfortable win that preserves their World Cup dream. The result leaves Spain at the top of Group 5 with 15 points, and Georgia still in third place with three points.

Punchline moment 1: If Spain keep this tempo, even tapas will demand tactical analysis.

Punchline moment 2: Georgia brought the kettle; Spain brought the steam, and that four-goal boil could steamroll the rest of the campaign.