Will Kvaratskhelia play? Prediction for the Georgia vs Romania match - 02.06.2026
One of Tuesday’s friendlies unfolds at the stadium in Tbilisi, where the Georgian national team hosts Romania. Both sides missed out on the 2026 World Cup and are now turning their attention to Nations League preparations. However, the hosts appear a touch more motivated, buoyed by the home crowd and the return of their biggest star.
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Georgia: generational shift with Kvaratskhelia as the main driving force
Following a dazzling Euro 2024, Georgia is navigating a challenging period of transition: 12 players have left the squad, dealing a blow to stability. Their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign was underwhelming - just one win over Bulgaria (3-0) and five defeats, including tough games against Spain and Turkey. However, March friendlies against Israel (2-2) and Latvia (2-0) have already given coach Sagnol a bit of breathing room.
The headline in Tbilisi is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s return after his Champions League triumph with PSG, where he won a penalty and was named the tournament’s best player. With Georges Mikautadze and Giorgi Guliashvili absent, the attacking load will shift, and Budu Zivzivadze - after netting five goals in his last six games for Heidenheim - gets a chance to prove that Georgia’s attack isn’t a one-man show.
Romania: Hagi’s debut amid losses and tough away fixtures
Romania is also entering a new era with a significant emotional backdrop: the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing 0-1 to Turkey in the playoff semifinals, and later mourned the passing of Mircea Lucescu. Now, the squad is led by Gheorghe Hagi, whose debut match is set to test not only his tactical ideas but also the team’s ability to regroup after recent turmoil.
The visitors’ personnel situation is far from ideal: Andrei Rațiu, Ionuț Radu, Nicușor Bancu, Bogdan Racovițan, and Dennis Man are all unavailable for this camp. The losses of Rațiu and Bancu on the defensive flanks are particularly painful, and Romania’s away form only adds to the worries - as the team has consistently struggled defensively, conceding too many goals in their last five road games.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In March friendlies, Georgia drew 2-2 with Israel and defeated Latvia 2-0.
- Romania will play their first match under Gheorghe Hagi following the passing of Mircea Lucescu.
- Romania’s only previous visit to Tbilisi ended with a 2-0 defeat to Georgia.
Prediction
Georgia remains a side with a vulnerable back line, but at home and with Kvaratskhelia in the squad, their attacking potential looks formidable. For Sagnol, it’s crucial not only to test new combinations after a generational change but also to show fans that the disappointing qualifying campaign is in the past.
Romania under Hagi could get an emotional lift, but the number of absentees and a poor away record make things tough. In Tbilisi, the hosts should play with more courage, exploit the flanks quickly, and capitalize on Romania’s defensive instability, making a bet on Georgia a logical choice.
