Spain defeated Georgia 4-0 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier in Tbilisi on Saturday, all but guaranteeing their place in next year's finals in North America. In-form striker Mikel Oyarzabal netted a double, supported by goals from Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres. The victory puts Luis de la Fuente’s side on a maximum 15 points from five Group E games, having scored 19 goals without conceding any.
The comfortable win also secured a national record for La Roja, stretching their unbeaten streak to 30 consecutive games across all competitions. This record surpasses the previous mark of 29 games set by Vicente del Bosque's World Cup-winning generation between 2010 and 2013. The Spanish dominance was evident despite starting without several key players, including Rodri and Lamine Yamal, as they outclassed a subdued Georgia side.
Spain built their lead rapidly. Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 11th minute from the penalty spot after a handball. Just 11 minutes later, Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi doubled Spain's advantage in the 22nd minute, receiving a slick pass from Fabian Ruiz and finishing coolly. Ferran Torres added the third goal before halftime in the 35th minute, tapping home a cut-back from Oyarzabal.
The rout continued in the second half. Oyarzabal netted his second goal of the night in the 63rd minute, guiding in a header from a precise curling cross delivered by Torres. This marked Oyarzabal’s 50th cap for the national team.
The Real Sociedad striker expressed his satisfaction, saying: “I’m happy to be able to help the team; we had to do our part. The important thing is the team, that the national team keeps improving, and that’s how we continue.”
Spain is now on the brink of automatic qualification. Second-placed Turkey, which beat Bulgaria 2-0 on Saturday, trails Spain by three points and has a goal difference of +5, compared to Spain's +19. Mathematically, Turkey would need to defeat Spain by seven goals or more in their final qualifier in Seville on Tuesday to overturn the difference, making Spain’s qualification virtually certain. Conversely, the defeat officially dashed any remaining hope Georgia had of reaching a playoff spot.
