94% pass accuracy, 82 passes: Arsenal star dominates midfield in key win to seal 2026 World Cup place

Spain secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 4–0 win over Georgia, and Martin Zubimendi played a big part in that result.

The midfielder was trusted from the start by Luis de la Fuente, who placed him in the centre of the pitch alongside Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz.

He repaid that trust with a calm, steady performance that helped Spain control the game from the opening minutes.

Zubimendi showed great awareness in and out of possession. He moved the ball with confidence and kept Spain on the front foot.

The team created early chances, and their pressure soon paid off when Mikel Oyarzabal put them in front from the penalty spot. Spain used that momentum to push harder, and it did not take long for Zubimendi to make his mark on the score sheet.

Spain added a third goal when Ferran Torres found the net after good work from the right side. The pressure did not stop there, as Oyarzabal later grabbed his second goal to complete his brace and seal Spain’s dominant win.

Key numbers from a standout display

The midfielder doubled Spain’s lead in the 22nd minute after a clever pass from Fabian Ruiz. Zubimendi timed his run well and finished with ease, giving Spain control of the match.

His goal lifted the team even more, and they continued to dominate as Georgia struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Spanish midfield.

Zubimendi’s work with the ball was just as impressive as his goal. He finished the match with a 94 per cent pass accuracy, completing 82 of his 87 passes.

Many of those passes helped Spain move quickly through midfield and keep Georgia pinned deep in their own half. He also completed 45 of his 49 passes in the opposition half, giving him a strong 92 per cent accuracy in that area.

His long passes were another highlight, as he completed five of the six he attempted. These switches of play stretched Georgia’s shape and opened more space for Spain’s forwards.

Zubimendi maintained this level of performance from the first minute to the last, playing the full 90 minutes without slowing down.

The Arsenal summer arrival from Real Sociedad will now turn his attention to Spain’s next fixture against Turkiye, where he will hope to keep this fine run of form going.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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