Georgia and Bulgaria both lost their opening game of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying as they prepare to face off against each other at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The hosts lost 3-2 in the same stadium to Turkey in midweek.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria lost 3-0 at home to the European champions in Spain. As such, both them and Georgia are already on the back foot in terms of their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup proper.
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Georgia vs Bulgaria prediction: Hosts to get back on track?
Key stats
- Georgia were unbeaten in four games in total in all competitions before losing to Turkey last time out.
- Bulgaria are now winless in six matches across all competitions, losing four of them.
- Georgia have picked up a total of four points from the previous two H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Georgia 3-1 Bulgaria
If the last few H2Hs are anything to go by, we should expect plenty of goals in this clash. Georgia should be the favourites to claim all three points, given that they are ranked higher by FIFA and hold home advantage.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Georgia the giant favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.7%
- DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- AWAY: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Georgia have unsurprisingly been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil. A draw is rated at just under 23%, while a Bulgaria win away from home can be backed at just over 15%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Goals galore but results mixed
As mentioned before, the previous four meetings in total in all competitions have produced 20 goals, averaging five per match. This suggests that we should be expecting plenty of goalmouth action.
In terms of results, they have been mixed, with two Bulgaria wins, one Georgia victory and one draw in that timeframe. The latter two results have come the most recently though.
UEFA Nations League 12/06/22
Georgia
Bulgaria
UEFA Nations League 05/06/22
Bulgaria
Georgia
International Match 08/09/21
Bulgaria
Georgia
Georgia preview: Stick with same starting XI?
Georgia may be tempted to stick with the same starting XI that narrowly lost to Turkey. The hosts have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to report.
Predicted lineup: Mamardashvili (GK); Kakabadze, Kashia, Goglichidze, Lochoshvili; Tsitaishvili, Kochkorashvili, Mekvabishvili, Davitashvili; Mikautadze & Kvaratskhelia
Last five results:
- Georgia 2-3 Turkey
- Georgia 1-1 Cape Verde
- Georgia 1-1 Faroe Islands
- Georgia 6-1 Armenia
- Armenia 0-3 Georgia
Bulgaria preview: Changes to be made?
In contrast to their opponents, Bulgaria could make changes to the starting XI that were defeated so comfortably by Spain. The visitors have also reported no new injury worries or suspensions.
Predicted lineup: Vutsov (GK); Nedyalkov, Dimitrov, Tesnov, Bozhinov; Gruev, Petkov; Minkov, Chochev, Kirilov & Despodov
Last five results:
- Bulgaria 0-3 Spain
- Greece 4-0 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 2-2 Cyprus
- Republic of Ireland 2-1 Bulgaria
- Bulgaria 1-2 Republic of Ireland
Player to watch: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia will be looking towards Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for inspiration once again after he scored in the 3-2 defeat at home to Turkey last time out. The wing wizard should make the difference against Bulgaria with his superior quality.