Spain moved closer to 2026 World Cup qualification with a commanding win over Georgia. Luis de la Fuente’s squad now leads Group E by three points with one match remaining. Only a seven-goal loss at home to Turkey could prevent Spain from qualifying automatically.
The 2010 world champions started strong, scoring within 11 minutes. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Giorgi Gocholeishvili handled the ball.
Midfield and Attack Shine for La Roja
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi extended the lead 11 minutes later, chipping the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres added a third before halftime, assisted by Oyarzabal.
Torres supplied a curling cross in the 63rd minute, allowing Oyarzabal to head in Spain’s fourth goal and secure his second of the match.
Spain Tops Group with Perfect Record
Spain, currently ranked first by FIFA, have won all five qualifying matches, scoring 19 goals and conceding none.
They would have guaranteed qualification earlier if Turkey had dropped points against Bulgaria. Instead, Hakan Calhanoglu scored a penalty and Atanas Chernev added an own goal, giving Turkey a 2-0 victory.
Turkey now needs to defeat Spain by a seven-goal margin in Sevilla to stop Spain from securing automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
