The Spanish national team returns to the 2026 World Cup qualifying phase in Europe with a host of key absences across all positions due to injuries.

The players sidelined include wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Carvajal. Additionally, center-backs Dean Huijsen and Dani Olmo have recently withdrawn due to injury.

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Pedri is the leader of Spain. Photo: SEFutbol

Despite these losses, coach Luis de la Fuente remains confident in the depth and competitiveness of the Spanish national team.

"We are very lucky. We have a team that is in a fantastic stage of development ," De la Fuente confidently declared to the press.

The coach who won EURO 2024 emphasized: “Now we have Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, Ferran Torres... They have a huge influence on the team. The team respects their roles; there is no personal ego here .”

When asked about the absence of Lamine Yamal, coach De la Fuente confidently said: “I’m not worried; there are plenty of options. Ferran can also play there, as can Jesus Rodriguez, De Frutos and other players who are in our plans.”

I think I'm very lucky to be able to select between 40 and 50 players. I could build two or three teams. I want everyone to be healthy; that's the only thing that worries me . "

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Kvaratskhelia and her teammates confidently challenge Spain. Photo: GFF

This promises to be an exciting match, as Georgia is very confident with leaders Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mikautadze.

Kvaratskhelia is the heart of Georgia's play, with her technical skills and speed. Since joining PSG under Luis Enrique, the former Napoli player has matured in many ways.

“It’s positive that we had enough time to prepare. The most important thing is that all the players feel good ,” said the striker nicknamed Kvaradona. He thanked PSG for “helping me a lot to be 100% ready for this match.”

Meanwhile, striker Mikautadze – who is shining with Villarreal in La Liga – confidently challenged the Spanish defense.

"La Roja" is considered superior in terms of personnel and team cohesion. However, Georgia will make the home team's match quite difficult.

Force:

Spain: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Carvajal, Huijsen, Nico Williams are injured.

Georgia: Chakvetadze is injured.

Predicted lineup:

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Mikel Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres.

Georgia (4-4-2): Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Lochoshvili; Gagnidze, Kochorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Davitashvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.

Match odds: Spain -2 1/4

Total goals: 3 1/2

Prediction: Spain wins 3-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-tay-ban-nha-vs-georgia-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-2451409.html