Spain’s trip to Georgia on Saturday presents them with a clear opportunity to move within touching distance of World Cup qualification.
La Roja have taken maximum points from their opening four matches, placing them in control of a group they have dominated from the outset.
Luis de la Fuente’s side sit three points clear of Turkey and have yet to concede, a level of consistency that has removed much of the tension from a campaign that once looked competitive on paper.
A win in Tbilisi would leave Spain all but mathematically assured of qualification due to their significantly superior goal difference, which currently stands at +15 compared to Turkey’s +3.
Georgia’s task is far more complicated. They have collected only one victory in the section, a home win over Bulgaria, and their two defeats against Spain and Turkey left them needing a perfect finish.
They must beat Spain and Bulgaria while hoping Turkey lose both of their remaining matches. It is a scenario that offers little margin for error but still provides enough incentive for a spirited showing.
The hosts will take encouragement from their recent participation at the 2024 European Championship, where they reached the last 16 and earned widespread plaudits for their ambition and energy.
However, they were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Spain in that round. History weighs against them too, with eight defeats in nine meetings between the nations.
Their only win came in a friendly nine years ago, and they now face a Spain team operating with far greater cohesion and confidence.
La Roja’s recent victories over Georgia and Bulgaria underlined their superiority, with the blend of Pedri’s control, Mikel Merino’s scoring touch and the squad’s depth proving too hot to handle.
Spain will expect an early surge from Georgia, whose hopes depend on unsettling the group leaders and dragging the match into a physical contest.
Given Spain’s defensive assurance and the momentum they have built across the campaign, a fifth straight win would be the natural continuation of their progress.
A place at the 2026 World Cup is now firmly within reach, and Saturday offers them a chance to take the final decisive step.
