Georgia and Northern Ireland begin their UEFA Nations League campaign at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena on Friday. Georgia enter the match as favourites, but Northern Ireland will look to make the game difficult with their defensive organisation.

Georgia are unbeaten in 2026

Georgia have made a solid start to the year with two wins and two draws. They beat Lithuania and Bahrain 2–0, while their matches against Israel and Romania both ended level.

Willy Sagnol can once again build his attack around Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. The pair give Georgia the individual quality to unlock a Northern Ireland defence that is likely to sit deep for long periods.

Georgia have lost only three of their previous 17 home matches and should benefit from playing in front of a large crowd in Tbilisi.

Northern Ireland missing important players

Northern Ireland earned promotion from League C after losing only one of their six matches in the previous Nations League campaign.

Their recent away form is less convincing. Michael O’Neill’s team have won only once in their last 12 matches away from home and arrive in Georgia without captain Conor Bradley. Ali McCann and Bradley Lyons are also unavailable.

Northern Ireland remain capable of making the match competitive, but their attacking threat could be limited if Georgia control possession and prevent them from counter-attacking.

Georgia should take advantage at home

Northern Ireland will attempt to keep the match tight, but Georgia have more attacking quality and a strong home record.

Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze should create enough chances for the hosts to begin their Nations League campaign with three points.

Tip

Georgia to win