Turkey launches its World Cup qualifying campaign with a challenging match against Georgia as the opening contest
The Georgian national football team is embarking on its most ambitious campaign yet, targeting a historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Thursday, they will face a significant hurdle in the form of Turkey, who are also pursuing a spot in the global showpiece event.
The match takes place at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia. This encounter is significant for both teams, with Turkey aiming for invaluable momentum before their home game against Spain on Sunday, and Georgia seeking to prove their progress and spark belief in a World Cup run.
Vincenzo Montella, the head coach of the Turkish national team, has managed 24 matches so far. His record includes 12 wins, 7 losses, and 4 draws. However, Georgia and Turkey have a history of Turkey favoring in their matches, with Turkey winning four out of six encounters.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool's sought-after goalkeeper, will be the last line of defence for the Georgian team. He will be supported by a defence that blends youth and resilience, marshalled by the experienced captain, Guram Kashia.
In attack, Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, representing the new wave of Turkish football, will pose a significant threat. Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, known for his dazzling dribbles and Champions League pedigree, will be a key player for Georgia.
The Georgian national football team reached the round of 16 at Euro 2024, their first major tournament. They have been unbeaten in four matches, having crushed Armenia in a Nations League playoff earlier this year. They also drew with Cape Verde and defeated the Faroe Islands in June friendlies.
Montella has called up a 27-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers, featuring a mix of veterans and emerging talents. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Orkun Kökçü, Salih Özcan, İsmail Yüksek, and Demir Ege Tıknaz are among the midfielders in the squad. Merih Demiral, Çağlar Söyüncü, Zeki Çelik, Altay Bayındır, Uğurcan Çakır, and Mert Günok are among the players in the squad.
Lyon striker Georges Mikautadze and Atlanta United's Saba Lobjanidze add strength to Georgia's attack. The Georgian squad typically includes players like Guliashvili, Kvilitaia, Lobjanidze, Mekvabishvili, and others from the 2024/2025 season roster.
This match between Georgia and Turkey is not just a World Cup qualifier; it's a clash of ambitions. Both teams will give their all to secure a valuable three points and move closer to their World Cup dreams. The Group E encounter kicks off at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Read also:
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
