Does Lamine Yamal play today? Where to watch Spain x Georgia today in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Por Carolina Costa
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Spain faces Georgia this Saturday (15th) at 2pm (Brasília time), at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena stadium, in Tbilisi, in the ninth round of Group E of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Spanish team, leader with 100% success rate, released the official squad without Lamine Yamal, cut by a pubic injury following a medical procedure in Barcelona. Luis de la Fuente opts for a 4-3-3 formation to maintain the offensive rhythm.
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Georgia, third place with three points, is betting on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to surprise the favorite.
The match could guarantee Spain’s early qualification for the World Cup, even with Turkey in second place.
- Time: 2pm (Brasília)
- Stadium: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena
- Referee: Benoît Bastien (France)
- Competition: UEFA Group E qualifiers
Lamine Yamal’s absence from the Spanish lineup
Lamine Yamal, 18 years old, was recalled the day before the game due to radiofrequency treatment on the pubis, carried out by Barcelona without prior communication to the Spanish Football Federation.
The procedure requires rest of seven to ten days, which also takes him away from the next duel against Turkey. The RFEF expressed surprise at the Catalan club’s decision.
Coach Luis de la Fuente regretted the absence, but highlighted the depth of the squad. Yamal has scored six goals in 23 games for the national team since 2023.
Spain line-up confirmed
Unai Simón defends the goal, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella on the flanks.
In the defensive core, Aymeric Laporte forms a partnership with Pau Cubarsí, replacing the injured Robin Le Normand. The midfield has Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Fabián Ruiz as starters.
In attack, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Yeremy Pino occupy the positions, with Álex Baena and Dani Olmo as options on the bench. Pedri also remains out due to a muscle injury.
The team scored 22 goals in eight games in the qualifiers, without conceding a goal.
Official formation of Georgia
Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili commands the Georgian defense alongside Luka Lochoshvili and Solomon Goglichidze.
The midfield features Otar Kiteishvili, Anzor Mekvabishvili and Giorgi Chakvetadze. In the offensive sector, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia plays on the left, with Zuriko Davitashvili and Budu Zivzivadze up front.
Coach Willy Sagnol does not have Georges Mikautadze, injured, nor Giorgi Kochorashvili, suspended. Georgia scored 11 goals and conceded 14 in the competition.
Where to watch live in Brazil
The broadcast takes place on Disney+, with exclusive narration for the Brazilian public.
The streaming service requires a monthly subscription starting at R$33.90. The match starts promptly at 2pm.
- Platform: Disney+
- Start: 2pm (local time)
- Estimated duration: 120 minutes (with additions)
Team history and motivations
Spain have won their previous two clashes against Georgia in the current qualifiers, including 4-1 in Madrid.
The best Georgian result was a goalless draw in 2016, in a friendly. The Iberian team occupies the top of the FIFA rankings, while Georgia is in 70th position.
The Spanish victory secures a place in the 2026 World Cup, with the group still competing for Türkiye. Georgia seeks playoff points.
Spain arrives with seven straight victories in the qualifiers, including defeats of Bulgaria and Türkiye. The focus remains on player rotation to preserve the squad.
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In addition to Yamal and Pedri, Nico Williams and Rodri are injured, forcing adjustments in the attack and midfield.
Dani Olmo and Fermín López gain space on the bench, with the potential to enter in the second half. Marcos Llorente can play on the right flank if necessary.
For Georgia, the return of Guram Kashia strengthens the defense, while Shota Nonikashvili emerges as an alternative in the middle.
The game marks the penultimate of the group stage for both teams.
Qualifier numbers so far
Spain leads with 24 points in eight games, a difference of +19 goals. The defense remains unbeaten, with zero conceded.
Georgia has three wins and four defeats, in third place with six points. The attack depends on Kvaratskhelia, who scored four goals.
The average Iberian ball possession exceeds 65% in the matches played, favoring control of the game in Tbilisi.
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