In the concluding matchday of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, Bulgaria is set to host Georgia in Sofia, with both teams no longer in the running for a top-two finish in their group. Bulgaria enters the match in search of redemption after a disappointing qualifying phase, having failed to secure any points to date.
The Bulgarian national team began their campaign under the management of Ilian Iliev, who was let go following significant losses to Spain and Georgia. Aleksandar Dimitrov, who took over but has not been able to turn the team’s fortunes around, has overseen three consecutive defeats, with Bulgaria conceding an alarming total of 12 goals and managing to score just once. Their recent 2-0 loss to Turkey has stretched their winless streak to ten international matches, a grim reality for a squad that last tasted victory against Luxembourg in a Nations League match in November 2024.
On the other side, Georgia, with one win in their five qualifiers, is looking to end their qualifying campaign on a high note after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain in their latest match. Prior to this disappointment, hopes were high for the team following a successful qualification for Euro 2024, marking their first major tournament appearance since gaining independence. Georgia’s goal for this encounter is to clinch a victory in Sofia, which would boost morale, especially after their previous 3-0 triumph over Bulgaria in September.
Bulgaria’s situation is further exacerbated by injuries to key players such as Anton Nedyalkov, Petko Hristov, Radoslav Kirilov, and Stanislav Ivanov, limiting Dimitrov’s options. As a result, he may need to make changes to his starting lineup, potentially giving opportunities to emerging players like Martin Minchev, Marin Petkov, and Ivaylo Chochev. Kiril Despodov is expected to take the lead in attack, looking to enhance his international goal tally.
Georgia is also facing challenges with injuries, missing several players, including Stanislav Ivanov and Nika Gagnidze. However, midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili is anticipated to return following a suspension, and veteran defender Guram Kashia could be added to the starting lineup, lending experience to a side eager to leave a positive impression as the qualifying campaign wraps up.
Both teams are motivated to make a statement in this matchup, suggesting an uncertain outcome for the game. Analysis points toward Georgia possibly securing another win against Bulgaria, with a forecasted score of 2-0, capitalizing on their recent successes against their opponents. The competitive spirit of the match is likely to be palpable, although neither team harbors hopes for qualification anymore.