Brotherhood — Fermin with Yamal's number in match that could send Spain to WC

Georgia and Spain meet today in the penultimate round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Coach De la Fuente has made several changes to his squad, leaving out Samu and De Frutos—though De Frutos was called up as a replacement following Lamine Yamal’s injury. Spain will don their white away kit for the clash against Georgia but will be without key figures Nico Williams and Lamine, who both made their debuts in Georgia during the team’s biggest victory under De la Fuente’s tenure, a 7-1 triumph.

A touching detail emerged from the squad numbers released by the RFEF: Fermin Lopez has chosen to wear number 19, previously Lamine’s, as a tribute to his close friend and teammate from Rocafonda.

Georgia, meanwhile, have managed just three points from four matches in Group E, with their only win coming at home against Bulgaria on September 7. They sit third in the table after losing their October matches to Spain and Turkey, leaving Willy Sagnol’s side with a daunting task if they hope to reach the playoffs.

To qualify, Georgia must beat both Spain and Bulgaria in their final two fixtures and then rely on Turkey losing their last two games against Bulgaria and Spain.

Spain, by contrast, have been flawless in Group E, winning all four games to amass 12 points and positioning themselves as strong favorites to top the group. Even a draw could suffice if Turkey falters, but De la Fuente’s men will aim for a full three points on Saturday, knowing that a defeat could open the door for the second-placed team.

La Roja dominated in October, defeating Georgia 2-0 and Bulgaria 4-0, while keeping clean sheets in both games—a clear warning for the home side. Spain arrive as reigning European champions, having triumphed over England in the Euro 2024 final, and boast a World Cup title from 2010.

Yet their last two World Cup appearances ended in the round of 16, giving them added incentive to maintain their perfect qualifying run.

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Saturday

17.00: (15.0) Kazakhstan (7.70) Belgium (1.20)

19.00: (11.0) Cyprus (6.00) Austria (1.30)

20.00: (13.5) Georgia (7.00) Spain (1.23)

20.00: (55.0) Liechtenstein (16.0) Wales (1.02)

20.00: (1.08) Turkey (11.0) Bulgaria (30.0)

22.45: (2.45) B&H (3.40) Romania (3.05)

22.45: (1.03) Denmark (15.0) Belarus (50.0)

22.45: (2.15) Greece (3.45) Scotland (3.70)

22.45: (2.05) Slovenia (3.25) Kosovo* (4.20)

22.45: (1.60) Switzerland (4.10) Sweden (5.50)