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, undefeated leader with 100% success rate, confirmed the lineup without Pedri, absent due to an injury to the biceps femoris of his left thigh. Coach Luis de la Fuente adopts a 4-3-3 formation for the match.
Georgia, in third place with three points, depends on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to score.
The Spanish victory could seal their place in the World Cup, depending on the parallel result between Türkiye and Bulgaria.
- Time: 2pm (Brasília)
- Stadium: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena
- Referee: Benoît Bastien (France)
- Competition: UEFA Group E qualifiers
Pedri’s absence from the Spanish lineup
Pedri, 22 years old, continues to recover from a muscle injury to his thigh, suffered while playing for Barcelona.
The midfielder has played just 12 games for the national team in 2025, with two goals scored.
Luis de la Fuente prioritizes squad rotation to preserve key players in the final dates of the qualifiers.
Spain line-up confirmed
Unai Simón occupies the goal, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella on the flanks.
The defense has Aymeric Laporte and Dean Huijsen as starters, replacing the injured Robin Le Normand. In the middle, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo form the central trio.
The attack has Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Yeremy Pino, options to maintain the offensive volume. The team has scored 22 goals in eight matches.
Official formation of Georgia
Giorgi Mamardashvili saves the goal, alongside Luka Lochoshvili and Saba Goglichidze in defence.
The midfield includes Otar Kiteishvili and Anzor Mekvabishvili as starters. In attack, Kvaratskhelia plays on the left, with Zuriko Davitashvili and Budu Zivzivadze.
Willy Sagnol is without Georges Mikautadze, injured, and Giorgi Kochorashvili, suspended. Georgia has scored 11 goals in the competition.
Where to watch live in Brazil
The broadcast takes place on SporTV and Disney+, with exclusive coverage for the Brazilian public.
The signal starts 30 minutes before the starting whistle. Disney+ subscriptions start at R$33.90 per month.
- Platform: SporTV and Disney+
- Start: 2pm (local time)
- Duration: 90 minutes plus additions
History between selections
Spain won their previous two qualifying games, including 2-0 at home to Georgia.
The most recent clash ended 4-1 for the Spanish at Euro 2024. Georgia has never beaten its rival in nine official duels.
Spain occupies first place in the FIFA rankings, compared to Georgia’s 70th place.
The Iberian unbeaten record has been 24 games without defeat in official competitions.
Additional team absences
Spain also loses Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri to various injuries. Fermín López and Álex Baena emerge as alternatives on the bench.
Marcos Llorente can reinforce the defense if required. For Georgia, Guram Kashia returns to defense.
The game represents the penultimate of the group stage for both teams.
Qualifier numbers so far
Spain leads with 24 points in eight games, a goal difference of +19. The defense did not suffergoals in the campaign.
Georgia records three wins and four defeats, totaling six points. Kvaratskhelia leads with four goals scored.
Spain’s average ball possession exceeds 65% in duels played, controlling the pace in Tbilisi.
