Spain closed in on a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Georgia maintained their perfect qualifying record on Saturday. The European champions have scored 19 goals without conceding across five straight wins in Group E and can seal qualification against Turkey in Seville on Tuesday.
Mikel Oyarzabal led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Martín Zubimendi and Ferran Torres were also on target as Spain raced to a 3-0 lead by the interval. Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the 11th minute and added his second with a header in the 63rd, marking his 50th appearance for Spain with his 20th and 21st goals.
Luis de la Fuente urged restraint despite the dominant campaign. “We have maximum respect for all our rivals, including Turkey,” he said. “We have to keep our feet on the ground and maintain this attitude until we are mathematically qualified.”
Spain were without injured regulars Lamine Yamal, Pedri González and Rodri, but the home side outclassed an overmatched Georgia to remain three points ahead of Turkey, who beat Bulgaria 2-0. For Turkey to take top spot, they must win in Seville by an enormous margin, with Spain holding a goal difference of +19 compared to their +5.
Turkey have already secured a top-two finish and a playoff berth after Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty before Atanas Chernev put through his own net.
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Belgium missed a chance to qualify after being held 1-1 in Kazakhstan. The hosts struck through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev before Hans Vanaken levelled early in the second half. Belgium failed to press home their advantage even after Islam Chesnokov was sent off in the 79th minute. Belgium still lead Group J by two points and can qualify with a win against Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Elsewhere in the group, Jordan James scored the winner as Wales beat Liechtenstein 1-0. Wales and North Macedonia sit level on 13 points before their meeting on Tuesday.
Austria remained top of Group H after Marko Arnautovic’s brace secured a 2-0 win in Cyprus. Bosnia and Herzegovina stayed in the hunt with a 3-1 victory over Romania, helped by Edin Dzeko’s influence. Austria lead by two points as the pair head into a decisive match in Vienna.
In Group C, Greece edged Scotland 3-2, while Denmark were held 2-2 by Belarus, leaving the Danes one point clear of Scotland ahead of their Glasgow clash.
Switzerland strengthened their position in Group B with a 4-1 win over Sweden. Kosovo stayed three points behind with a 2-0 victory in Slovenia and will host Switzerland in Pristina next week.
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