Can Spain Secure Their Spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Spain is close to securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Mikel Oyarzabal delivered an outstanding performance with two goals and one assist.
- Switzerland solidified their lead in Group B with a 4-1 win over Sweden.
- Georgia's campaign is effectively over after being eliminated from playoff contention.
- Both teams are preparing for crucial upcoming matches.
Berlin, Nov 16 (NationPress) Spain is on the verge of securing its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a stunning 4-0 victory against Georgia, highlighted by a remarkable display from Mikel Oyarzabal during the ninth round of qualifiers.
Luis de la Fuente's squad established their dominance right from the start in Tbilisi, applying intense pressure that left the home team rattled. Their early control paid off when a cross from Ferran Torres hit a Georgian defender's arm, allowing Oyarzabal to confidently convert the ensuing penalty.
The European champions quickly extended their lead, with Martin Zubimendi executing a clever finish over Giorgi Mamardashvili after a well-timed through ball split the defense.
While Georgia attempted to build momentum with some possession, Spain's incisive attack proved too much. Oyarzabal turned playmaker, setting up Torres for a close-range finish that made it 3-0 before the break.
Spain maintained their commanding presence in the second half, effectively controlling the ball and limiting Georgia's opportunities. Oyarzabal netted his second goal of the night with a powerful header from a Torres cross midway through the half, finishing the match with two goals and one assist before receiving a warm farewell from the traveling supporters.
With a significant goal difference and their unbeaten streak intact, Spain approaches the upcoming group decider with qualification nearly in hand. Georgia, having already been knocked out of playoff contention, will conclude its campaign away in Bulgaria.
In other news, second-half goals from Granit Xhaka, Dan Ndoye, and Johan Manzambi propelled Switzerland to a 4-1 victory over Sweden, allowing them to enter the final matchday three points clear at the top of Group B, boasting an 11-goal advantage.
Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing from Ndoye's assist as the hosts asserted their dominance. However, Sweden responded under new coach Graham Potter, equalizing through Benjamin Nygren twenty minutes later.
Xhaka converted a penalty in the 60th minute, and Ndoye added a powerful strike with 15 minutes left to secure control for the Nati, with substitute Manzambi sealing the deal with a second strike in stoppage time against the Blågult, who remain in fourth place.
In other matches, Turkiye defeated Bulgaria 2-0 in Group E despite a spirited effort from the visitors, while Spain's triumph left the top spot theoretically open.
Belgium drew 1-1 with Kazakhstan in Group J, missing a chance to secure qualification, while Wales edged Liechtenstein 1-0 to remain in contention.
Austria is close to qualifying after a 2-0 win against Cyprus in Group H. Switzerland's victory over Sweden puts them within reach of a World Cup spot, as Slovenia fell 2-0 to Kosovo.
Denmark and Belarus played to a 2-2 draw in Group C, while Scotland suffered a 3-2 defeat in Greece.