World Cup Qualification 2026: Georgia-Turkey, the likely lineups

Group E of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers kicks off with the match between Georgia and Turkey. Kickoff at 6 p.m. at the ‘Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena’ in Tbilisi. The hosts are seeking their historic first qualification for the rainbow event, while the Turks want to get off on the right foot.

Sagnol will have to forgo Giorgi Chakvetadze. Kocharashvili and Mekvabishvili are ready in the middle of the field, while Lominadze, Kiteishvili and former Napoli star, now at PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, will act in the three-quarter in support of Mikautadze.

The Turkish side will be ready for the first half of the season.

On the opposing front, Montella entrusts the midfield to Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) flanked by Uksek, Aydin, Arda Güler and Yildiz (Juventus), all supporting forward Akturkoglu.

Probable lineups

Georgia (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Azarovi, Kashia, Goglichidze, Lochoshvili; Kocharashvili, Mekvabishvili; Lominadze, Kiteishvili, Kvaratskhelia; Mikautadze. Coach: Sagnol.

Turkey (4-5-1): Cakir; Muldur, Akaydin, Bardakci, Elmali; Yuksek, Calhanoglu, Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu. Coach: Montella.