The Georgia UEFA Nations League 2026 journey begins again, and this time it feels different. There is hope, but also questions. After the historic Euro 2024, expectations are no longer the same.
Georgia qualified for the European Championship for the first time in history, and it was already a huge achievement for such a small country with limited football budget. But the team did not stop there. Georgia shocked Europe by beating Portugal 2-0 in the group stage and reached the Round of 16, where they faced Spain. Even though the journey ended there, it changed how people see Georgian football forever.
Now, their 2026 Nations League group with Ukraine, Hungary, and Northern Ireland, the challenge looks more balanced. On paper, it may look more possible for Georgia to compete for first place. But football is never that simple. This Georgia national football team is now facing new pressure, new expectations, and a different reality than before.
The Difficulties Georgia Are Facing Before the New Campaign
There are some concerns around the Georgia national team before this new Nations League starts. One of the biggest questions is the situation of Giorgi Mamardashvili. Right now, he does not have regular playing time at club level, and this can always affect a goalkeeper.
For Georgia, this is very important, because Mamardashvili is not just any player. He is the main goalkeeper. He saved the Georgia national football team many times, especially during Euro 2024. His form and confidence are a key part of Georgia’s strength.
At the same time, there are also positives. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is still the main star of this team and continues to play at a high level. He is the player who can decide games alone. Another important player is Georges Mikautadze, who is also in good form and continues to score and help his club. He proved already how important he is for Georgia, especially during the European Championship.
But still, Mamardashvili’s situation will be something to watch. If he gets his rhythm and confidence, Georgia will feel much safer. If not, it can make this campaign more difficult than it looks on paper.
Recent Results
If we look at Georgia’s recent games, we can see that the team was not in its best shape. One of the most difficult matches was the heavy 4-0 loss against Spain national football team in Tbilisi on November 15, 2025.
It was a very hard game for Georgia. Spain controlled the match from the first minutes. Georgia struggled to keep the ball and could not deal with Spain’s movement between the lines. The midfield was under constant pressure, and defensively the team looked vulnerable, especially when Spain attacked from the wide areas. It was one of those nights where nothing really worked.
Another painful result came just a few days later, on November 18, 2025, when Georgia lost 2-1 to the Bulgaria national football team. This result shocked many Georgian fans. Georgia was expected to win, but the team looked nervous and less confident. There were mistakes in defense, and offensively, Georgia could not use their chances well. The team had moments, but it was not enough. It felt like the rhythm and confidence were missing.
Before that, Georgia also lost 4-1 against Turkey national football team on 14 October 2025. That game again showed defensive problems. Turkey was very effective in transitions, and Georgia had difficulties stopping fast attacks. It also showed that when Georgia loses control of the midfield, the whole structure of the team suffers.
These results show one clear thing. Georgia is a strong and talented team, but at that moment, they were not at their best level. The stability that we saw during EURO 2024 was not always there. And that is why this new Nations League campaign is not only a new opportunity, but also an important test for this team to show its real level again. That is why the Georgia UEFA Nations League 2026 campaign could define the future of this generation.
There Is Real Hope Georgia Can Return to Its Best Level
Despite the recent difficult results, there is still realistic hope that Georgia can return to the level we saw at Euro 2024. That tournament showed what this team is capable of. It showed their character. It showed their belief.
Head coach Willy Sagnol has already spoken about this period. He said he believes the team can improve again and that the upcoming matches will help the players regain confidence and rhythm. For him, this is a new chapter, not the end of something.
One important moment will be the friendly match against Israel national football team in March. This game will be watched very closely. Not only because of the result, but because of the performance. Everyone will want to see the energy. The confidence. The connection between the players.
Israel is a solid team. Not among Europe’s biggest names, but never an easy opponent. Georgia and Israel have played each other several times before, and the matches were usually competitive. That is why this friendly will be a serious test, even if it is not an official tournament match.
This game could also help Sagnol make important decisions. It will give him a clearer picture before the UEFA Nations League begins in September 2026. Georgia’s first match will be against the Northern Ireland national football team on 25 September.
Everything will depend on how ready this team is when the Georgia UEFA Nations League 2026 begins in September.
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Georgia UEFA Nations League 2026 Group Analysis
Georgia’s 2026 UEFA Nations League group includes Northern Ireland national football team, Ukraine national football team, and Hungary national football team. At first look, it may seem more balanced than the previous group with Spain. But it will not be easy.
Northern Ireland is a very physical team. They may not have the biggest stars, but they are disciplined. They fight for every ball. Georgia has played against them before. The matches were always tense, with very small margins. These are the kind of games where mentality decides everything.
Ukraine is probably the strongest team in this group. They have players from top European leagues. They play fast football. Technically, they are very strong. Georgia has faced Ukraine before, and those matches were difficult. Ukraine knows how to control the game and punish mistakes. Against them, Georgia will need to be at their absolute best.
Hungary is also a very serious opponent. In recent years, Hungary has improved a lot. They played at EURO 2024 and showed they can compete with top teams. They have strong team chemistry and clear tactical structure. Georgia has played against Hungary in the past, and it has never been easy.
But this is also Georgia’s chance.
This group is strong, but not impossible. There is no Spain here. No team that feels completely untouchable.
If Georgia finds its confidence again, if players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mamardashvili are at their level, then this group becomes an opportunity, not just a challenge.
For Georgia UEFA Nations League 2026 represents more than just another tournament, it represents another chance to prove that Euro 2024 was not a coincidence.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
Recording Date: 18.11.2025
