Georgia’s national team will play their first match of the year this evening. Willy Sagnol’s men take on Israel at the Mikheil Meskhi Arena in Tbilisi, with kick-off set for 21:00. The friendly will be broadcast live on GPB First Channel and Georgian Radio.

Georgia

On the eve of the match, the squad trained at the Meskhi Stadium. Notable absentees from the session were Watford pair Giorgi Chakvetadze and Saba Licheli-Goglichidze, who are unlikely to feature.

This friendly serves as Georgia’s opening preparation for the UEFA Nations League, the most important competition the Crusaders face in 2026. Sagnol is keen to sharpen his side’s cohesion, particularly at the back, following Guram Kashia’s retirement from international football. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will wear the captain’s armband in his place.

Israel

The Tbilisi match holds particular significance for Israel, as it marks their first return to competitive football after a prolonged absence caused by the ongoing conflict. Ran Ben Simon will be without two key men: Manor Solomon is ruled out through injury, while Mohammad Abu Fani misses out for personal reasons. In their absence, the coach has called up Omri Gandelman.

According to Israeli media, the expected line-up has Daniel Peretz in goal; a back four of Nikita Stoyanov and Stav Lemkin in the centre, Roy Revivo on the left and Eli Dasa on the right; a midfield trio of Eliel and Dor Peretz alongside Gabi Kanichowsky; and an attack featuring Anan Khalaili on the right, Oscar Gloukh on the left, and Tai Baribo through the middle.