Bulgaria vs Georgia: World Cup Qualifier Preview

Bulgaria vs Georgia: Final Qualifier Preview

On November 18, 2025, Bulgaria and Georgia will face off in Sofia's Stadion Vasil Levski for their concluding UEFA World Cup qualifier. With both teams eliminated from contention for a top-two finish in Group E, this fixture carries significant pride-building importance as the Lions look to end a winless drought while Georgia aims for a double-header victory.

Bulgaria's Struggles Under Dimitrov

Bulgaria enters the clash at the bottom of Group E with zero points after five defeats. The winless streak stretches 10 international matches (D2, L8), with their last victory coming against Luxembourg in November 2024. Manager Aleksandar Dimitrov, who took over after Ilian Iliev's sacking, has overseen three losses by a combined 12-1 scoreline. Recent defeats to Spain (4-0) and Turkey (2-0) highlight defensive fragility, though the return of attackers Martin Minchev and Marin Petkov could provide fresh impetus.

Georgia's Disappointing Follow-up

Georgia sits third with 3 points but faces major injury concerns ahead of this encounter. Their campaign has failed to build on Euro 2024 success, with four losses in five qualifiers. Heavy defeats to Spain (4-0) and Turkey (4-1) expose defensive issues, though their September 3-0 win over Bulgaria demonstrated superiority. Key striker Georges Mikautadze (21 goals in 41 caps) is ruled out, but star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains a threat. Coach Willy Sagnol may recall veteran defender Guram Kashia after Saba Goglichidze's injury.

Head-to-Head Dynamics

In their nine previous meetings, Bulgaria leads 4-3-2. However, Georgia dominated recent clashes: a 3-0 September 2025 win and a 5-2 Nations League victory in June 2022. Bulgaria hasn't defeated Georgia since a 4-1 friendly in September 2021. For Georgia, completing a double would cement their regional dominance despite campaign setbacks.

Team News and Key Battles

Bulgaria is depleted by withdrawals: defenders Anton Nedyalkov, Petko Hristov, Radoslav Kirilov, and Stanislav Ivanov are unavailable. Midfielder Ivaylo Chochev could return after missing recent games. Georgia faces an injury crisis: Mikautadze and Nika Gagnidze join Gabriel Sigua on the sidelines. Midfielder Giorgi Kochorashvili returns from suspension, potentially partnering Kvaratskhelia in attack.

Prediction and tactical outlook

Sports Mole predicts a 0-2 Georgia victory. Bulgaria's porous defense (18 conceded goals) will struggle against Kvaratskhelia's creativity. Georgia's away form (4 losses in 5) is concerning, but their superior squad depth and tactical discipline under Sagnol should prevail. Bulgaria may rely on set-pieces through Kiril Despodov, but Georgia's counter-attacking speed could be decisive.

What's at Stake

While neither team qualifies for the World Cup, Bulgaria seeks its first victory since 2024 to restore morale. Georgia aims to finish with four points and build momentum for future tournaments. For fans, this fixture offers a chance to see emerging talents like Georgia's Giorgi Gocholeishvili and Bulgaria's Marin Petkov in action.