Georgia vs Ukraine prediction 28.09.2026 | UEFA Nations League

Georgia's recent record before the Nations League opener had been encouraging. They had gone unbeaten in their four matches during 2026, drawing with Israel and Romania before beating Lithuania 2-0 and Bahrain 2-0. However, Northern Ireland exposed some of their attacking inefficiency in the opening game.

Willy Sagnol's side dominated possession against Northern Ireland, recording 62% possession. They also registered an xG of 1.65, but failed to score, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missing a second-half penalty before Northern Ireland scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time. 

Georgia's squad includes Kvaratskhelia, Georges Mikautadze and Giorgi Mamardashvili, giving them considerable individual quality. Saba Goglichidze and Giorgi Tsitaishvili are listed among the players carrying injury concerns ahead of the fixture.

Ukraine arrive with considerably more confidence after beating Hungary 1-0 in Budapest. Danylo Sikan scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, while Ukraine's defence held firm despite Hungary having 57% possession and 17 shots.

The victory continued Ukraine's strong recent defensive record: they had also beaten Poland 2-0 and Albania 1-0 earlier in 2026. However, Andrea Maldera's team will be without Artem Dovbyk, who withdrew because of a thigh injury, while Ruslan Malinovskyi is also listed as unavailable. 

Ukraine's opening victory came at a cost, though, as Oleksandr Nazarenko was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time and will therefore miss the Georgia game.