Luis de la Fuente’s side extended their flawless run with a superb collective move finished by Yeremy Pino and a powerful free-kick strike from Oyarzabal.
2026 World Cup qualification Europe
2-0
Match Report
Just hours after landing in Elche, a packed Martínez Valero Stadium (28,661 spectators) welcomed the Spanish national team for their first match since reclaiming the top spot in the FIFA World Ranking. Determined to prove they deserve that position, Spain took control from the very first minute.
Their opponents, Georgia, adopted a cautious approach, well aware of Spain’s attacking potential—having conceded four goals against them in last year’s Euro Round of 16. The starting lineup included Ferran Torres, who, at 25, was celebrating his 50th international appearance.
The home side soon began creating clear chances. A well-worked move involving Zubimendi, Pino, and Oyarzabal ended with a header from the latter that narrowly missed the target. Moments later, Spain made no mistake. Pedri chipped a precise pass to Le Normand, who set it up for Yeremy Pino to score from close range.
The lead could have been extended when Mamardashvili brought down Ferran Torres in the box, conceding a penalty, but the Georgian goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick. Spain maintained their dominance and continued pressing until the referee blew for half-time.
After the break, Oyarzabal created a brilliant individual effort, cutting into the box before seeing his shot blocked by the keeper. Around the 53rd minute, La Roja were twice denied by the woodwork—first through Pedro Porro’s curling left-footed attempt that struck the far post, and then through Oyarzabal’s rebound effort.
The Real Sociedad forward would eventually make amends with a spectacular free-kick, sending a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. De la Fuente introduced several substitutes to keep up the intensity and sustain the team’s dominance, though no further goals followed.
With this victory, Spain remain top of the group, boasting eleven goals scored and none conceded. They continue their perfect qualifying campaign, which will resume in a few days in Valladolid against Bulgaria.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
8' Ferran gets down in the box and the referee says no penalty
19' Oyarzabal's header following Yeremy's cross is wide
21' Highlight from Spain vs Georgia
25' GOAL! Yeremy scores at close range from assist of Le Normand! Spain 1-0 Georgia
30' Penalty Missed! Ferran Torres's shot is saved by Mamardashvili
45' Merino has a shot just over the bar
48' Oyarzabal goes through into the box and has a shot saved by the keeper
52' Match Event for Spain vs Georgia
55' Porro's shot hits the bar before Oyarzabal strikes it again!
64' GOAL! Oyarzabal doubles the lead with a stunning free-kick! Spain 2-0 Georgia
70' Match Event for Spain vs Georgia
76' Pedri and Porro are replaced by Llorente and Barrios
Line-ups
Spain XI: Le Normand, Merino, Unai Simón, Cucurella, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Martín Zubimendi, Porro, Yeremy, Pedri, Cubarsi
Subs: Grimaldo, Álex Remiro, Iglesias, Llorente, A.García, David Raya, Jorge de Frutos, Dani Vivian, Álex Baena, Barrios, Samu Aghehowa, Jesús Rodríguez
Georgia XI: Guram Kashia, Otar Kakabadze, Lasha Dvali, Otar Kiteishvili, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Georges Mikautadze, Anzor Mekvabishvili, Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Saba Goglichidze
Subs: Budu Zivzivadze, Saba Lobjanidze, Vladimer Mamuchashvili, Davit Kereselidze, Zuriko Davitashvili, Giorgi Tsitaishvili, Giorgi Guliashvili, Nika Gagnidze, Irakli Azarovi, Iva Gelashvili, Luka Gugeshashvili, Giorgi Kvernadze