FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier: Oyarzabal scores double as Spain beats Georgia to almost seal spot

In-form Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice as Spain beat Georgia 4-0 on Saturday, setting a national record and all but ensuring his place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The Spanish spectacle in Tbilisi, in which Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres also scored, brings the maximum to 15 points from five matches in Group E with 19 goals scored and none conceded.

Second-placed Turkey, which beat Bulgaria 2-0 on Saturday, would need to beat Spain 7-0 in Seville on Tuesday to finish as group winners and clinch the automatic qualifying spot.

Luis de la Fuente’s side are now unbeaten in 30 matches dating back to March 2023, beating the record of 29 matches it shared with Vicente del Bosque’s golden generation, whose streak stretched between 2010 and 2013.

«A complete performance, we leave with a good feeling. We did very well as a team,» said Ferran. «It’s not yet mathematically certain, but we are focused on the last match; we are going to play to qualify. It is in our own hands.»

Spain started without players like Daniel Carvajal, Pedri, Rodri and Lamine Yamal, but that made no difference as they outclassed a subdued Georgia team.

Oyarzabal marked his 50th cap by opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute.

Alex Baena was denied by the base of the post shortly afterwards, but the European champions doubled the lead in the 22nd minute when Fabian Ruiz’s slick pass provided Arsenal midfielder Zubimendi with a cool finish.

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It was all too easy for Spain, and it cut through Georgia again in the 35th minute when Oyarzabal was played in by Baena before Torres had to tap the ball home.

Oyarzabal scored his eighth goal in his last eight games for Spain in the 63rd minute, heading in a header from Torres’ deft cross.

«I’m happy to help the team; we had to do our part,» said Real Sociedad striker Oyarzabal. “If I can contribute with a goal, that’s great. If not, it’s about the team continuing to improve, and we’ll keep going.”

The defeat ended any hope Georgia had of a playoff spot.

Published on November 16, 2025