As the 2026 World Cup Qualification (WCQ) cycle winds down, Bulgaria and Georgia meet in a clash that holds pride rather than qualification hopes. Both sides were eliminated before their matches on Saturday, but there’s still much on the line—especially for bettors scouting value in the final stretch of the qualifiers.
This in-depth match preview breaks down team form, head-to-head statistics, key players, and betting angles, while offering a clear and concise prediction tailored for punters in Kenya.
🔍 Match Overview
Bulgaria head into this encounter desperate to avoid the embarrassment of finishing their WCQ run without a single point. Despite changing coaches mid-campaign—from Ilian Iliev to Aleksandar Dimitrov—the performances have remained underwhelming. A recent 2-0 defeat to Turkey summed up their struggles: 12 goals conceded in just three matches under the new coach and no signs of improvement.
On the other hand, Georgia—though unable to keep pace with group giants Spain and Turkey—showed promise earlier in the campaign. Their 3-0 home win over Bulgaria stands as their only WCQ victory, but also serves as a reminder of the quality they possess when allowed to play on the front foot.
📉 Bulgaria: A Team Deep in Decline
Bulgaria’s recent competitive record makes grim reading:
- Winless in 10 matches (D2, L8)
- Five clean sheets conceded in their last six
- Each of their last six losses was by 2+ goals
. - Their lone scorer in the campaign, Radoslav Kirilov, is out injured.
Their struggles were further compounded by the absence of several key defensive players, including Anton Nedyalkov, Fabian Nurnberger, and Petko Hristov. Even promising forward Georgi Rusev—who tested Turkey with his only shot on target—remains stuck in a ten-match goal drought.
This is not a trend that is trending upward.
Georgia: Competitive and Improving Under Sagnol
Despite failing to reach their historic first World Cup, Georgia remains a much more stable, structured, and confident outfit under coach Willy Sagnol. Their form outside their borders is especially noteworthy:
- The last 14 away games produced a winner (W8, L6)
- 14 of their last 18 wins were by 2+ goals
- Beat Bulgaria 3-0 in the reverse fixture
Although they are missing attacking star Georges Mikautadze and defenders Otar Kakabadze and Saba Goglichidze, Georgia still offers more firepower and stability. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—who netted in the previous H2H—remains their biggest threat and will be eager to exploit Bulgaria’s shaky backline.
🔢 Head-to-Head Snapshot
- Georgia is unbeaten in the last three meetings (W2, D1)
- Bulgaria historically dominated early matchups, but Georgia’s recent superiority is evident.
- The reverse WCQ meeting ended 3-0 in favour of Georgi.a
Momentum, history, and form all point one way.
⚽ Key Battle Areas to Watch
1. Georgia’s Wing Play vs Bulgaria’s Weakened Defence
Without key defenders available, Bulgaria is particularly vulnerable to pace and direct runs—precisely where Georgia excel through Kvaratskhelia.
2. Bulgaria’s Struggle to Score
Bulgaria has failed to score in five of their last six matches, and their only goal contributor is unavailable. Georgia’s disciplined defensive shape should keep them at bay again.
3. Georgia’s Away Form
Georgia’s aggressive away record suggests they will not be content with a draw—they often play for the win and usually win big when they do.
🔮 Match Prediction
👉 Georgia to Win and Cover the 2+ Goal Margin Handicap
All evidence—form, injuries, H2H history, and tactical familiarity—leans heavily toward Georgia.
Expected Scoreline:
Bulgaria 0–2 Georgia
(or even 0–3 if Georgia finishes strongly)
Georgia is the sharper, more organized, and more confident team. Bulgaria lacks goal threats, leadership, and defensive solidity, making another multi-goal defeat the most probable outcome.
💰 Betting Tips
For bettors in Kenya looking for value:
- Georgia Win (Safe option)
- Georgia -1 Handicap (Strong value)
- Under 2.5 Goals – No (Most Bulgaria games have 3+ goals)
- Correct Score: 0–2 or 0–3
High-risk, high-reward bettors may explore:
- Georgia to Score in Both Halves
- Kvaratskhelia Anytime Goal
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📌 Final Word
The WCQ journey ends here for both Bulgaria and Georgia, but the betting opportunities are still very much alive. With Georgia showcasing far superior form and Bulgaria struggling to even get on the scoresheet, everything points towards another convincing Georgian win.
Perfect for Kenyan punters looking for a smart, confident pick.
