Spain's Make-or-Break Clash in Tbilisi: La Roja Aims to Clinch World Cup 2026

Spain's Make-or-Break Clash in Tbilisi

Spain travel to Georgia for a decisive away fixture at the Boris Paichadze stadium in Tbilisi, a match that could seal La Roja's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as expectations rise after a spate of injuries to key players in the days leading up to kickoff.

Under Luis de la Fuente, the Spaniards know that a draw won't help either side; only a win will safeguard their path to the finals ahead of the last round.

There are plenty of challenges facing the European champions, notably notable absences that have disrupted the starting lineup, including several regulars, and a late injury to another squad member adds to the concerns.

Georgia remain dangerous on home soil, but their chances look slimmer after collecting just three points so far. The visitors will rely on Khvicha Kvartsatskhelia and Georgi Mamardashvili to mount resistance.

Spain's midfield will be tasked with breaking down a resilient Georgian defense, with the visitors aiming to maintain their solid defensive record in the qualifying campaign.

De la Fuente has repeatedly warned that this match will be different from two years ago in Tblisi, emphasizing the need for focus and pace against a Georgian side with players operating at a high level in European leagues.

Spain will line up with Unai Simon in goal, a spine built around defenders and midfielders who have become familiar names in recent seasons, while the attack features Alex Baena, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Georgia's XI features Mamardashvili in goal and a spine led by Kvartatskhelia. The hosts will rely on their pace and technical variety to test the Spaniards.

De la Fuente's comments reveal a calm yet determined approach as he stressed maintaining balance between the present and the future: the best news is that we still have 15 years with this young player; we must focus on the present and win to close in on the World Cup.

He also said relationships with Spanish clubs remain constructive, even though some disagreements have arisen, and that the team must improve to become stronger and push for the World Cup.

Injuries and a dense schedule ahead of the World Cup were another major talking point. De la Fuente warned that injuries are part of the game, but the current fixture load means every team faces challenges.

He added that the Georgia match will be more intricate than the one two years ago in Tblisi: they have top class midfielders and a high-level attack in Europe, so Spain must bring their best to win.

Spain has yet to concede during qualifying, a testament to defensive solidity, but De la Fuente said the goal is simply to qualify, not chase numbers, aiming to win to guarantee a place in the decisive qualifier.

The run of 30 winless matches softens not the passion of the fans, but the coach pressed caution: it's great to see enthusiasm but we must stay grounded; victory is never easy and nothing is handed to you, as recent events show, everything is always complicated and we must take each match as it comes.

Zubimendi: caution first and foremost.

Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal midfielder, voiced a cautious outlook about his World Cup chances, saying he does not see himself playing in the tournament until we secure qualification.

He pointed out that despite the team's strength, results elsewhere still dictate progress: even with the best performance, they remain at the mercy of other results. The aim now is qualification, nothing more.

He also stressed that the team's real strength lies in cohesion: the core group has remained similar for two or three years, aiding ball progression and tactical flow and making them stronger against opponents.

When asked about his personal future, Zubimendi summed up his view: the World Cup is the tournament that proves you are the best in the world. First, we must qualify, then win when it matters.

The press conference even delivered a lighter moment when asked about Mikel Merino playing as a pure striker; he smiled and said that they had joked about it, obviously he has trained for it for some time.

Punchline 1: If Spain's game plan were any tighter, it would qualify for the World Cup by itself. Punchline 2: The quest for 2026 is so precise that even the ball needs a passport to travel from Tblisi to the World Cup in a blink.