Spain nearly clinch spot at 2026 World Cup after cruising past Georgia

Spain came very close to securing their place in the 2026 World Cup by defeating Georgia 4-0 on Saturday without much trouble.

The team led by Luis de la Fuente has triumphed in every one of their five Group E fixtures, and even though qualification is not yet official, their much better goal tally makes it extremely improbable for Turkey to catch up.

Spain will face Turkey at home on Tuesday in the concluding group encounter, while Vincenzo Montella's team trails by three points following their 2-0 success against Bulgaria.

To prevent Spain from advancing straight from the group to the World Cup, Turkey would need to secure a victory by at least seven goals.

Without key winger Lamine Yamal or other vital squad members like Rodri Hernandez, Dani Carvajal, and Nico Williams, La Roja still managed a relaxed win in Tbilisi.

Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot for the opener, followed by goals from Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres in the opening period, with Oyarzabal adding a second later on.

This result virtually guarantees Spain's 13th straight appearance at the World Cup, as they have netted 19 times in the group while keeping a clean sheet throughout.

"We are feeling excellent after this match and performed brilliantly together," Torres shared with TVE.

"Qualification is not yet confirmed, so we head into the final fixture aiming to book our World Cup spot.

"We should not assume anything, but our belief in the team remains strong."

Impressive display

After instructing his squad that they are en route to legendary status post their Euro 2024 victory, De la Fuente saw Spain put on a dominant show to easily overcome the home side.

Giorgi Gocholeishvili blocked Torres's attempt with his hand, resulting in an early spot kick that Oyarzabal coolly slotted away for his 20th international goal and the 100th under De la Fuente.

Controlling possession, Spain saw Alex Baena strike the upright, then Fabian Ruiz found Zubimendi, who slotted home neatly for the second goal after 22 minutes.

Oyarzabal assisted Torres, who tapped in from near the goal for the third as the away team overwhelmed their opponents.

Liverpool's Giorgi Mamardashvili pushed Oyarzabal's effort away to prevent a fourth before halftime.

Oyarzabal headed in his brace on 63 minutes from a Torres delivery, enhancing their dominant performance further.

"Helping the team score brings me the most joy," Oyarzabal said to TVE.

"We must finalise qualification ideally against Turkey by pushing for another win."

Late in the game, Pau Cubarsi accidentally deflected the ball onto his own post while Georgia pressed to become the first to score against Spain in the group, but they failed to break through.

"Even with a 4-0 win, areas for improvement exist," noted Arsenal's Zubimendi to TVE, focused on progress.

The loss ends any hopes for Willy Sagnol's Georgia, who shone at Euro 2024, of making the playoffs and reaching their debut World Cup finals.