Spains trip to Georgia on Saturday presents them with a clear opportunity to move within touching distance of World Cup qualification, and their form in Group E suggests they are unlikely to let the chance slip.
La Roja have taken maximum points from their opening four matches, scored freely and protected their goal with complete authority, placing them in control of a group they have dominated from the outset.
Luis de la Fuentes side sit two points clear of Turkey and have yet to concede, a level of consistency that has removed much of the tension from a campaign that once looked competitive on paper.
A win in Tbilisi would leave Spain all but mathematically assured of qualification due to their significantly superior goal difference, which currently stands at +15 compared to Turkeys +3.
Georgias task is far more complicated. They have collected only one victory in the section, a home win over Bulgaria, and their two defeats in October against Spain and Turkey have left them relying on a near-perfect finish.
To have any chance of reaching the play-offs, they must beat Spain and then win again against Bulgaria while hoping Turkey lose both of their remaining matches. It is a scenario that offers little margin for error but still provides enough incentive for a spirited showing.
The hosts will take encouragement from their recent participation at Euro 2024, where they reached the last 16 and earned widespread plaudits for their ambition and energy.
However, they were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Spain in that round, and history weighs against them too, with eight defeats in nine meetings between the nations. Their only win came in a friendly nine years ago, and they now face a Spain team operating with far greater cohesion and confidence.
La Rojas October victories over Georgia and Bulgaria underlined their superiority, with the blend of Pedris control, Mikel Merinos scoring touch and the squads depth proving difficult for any opponent to contain.
Spain will expect an early surge from Georgia, whose hopes depend on unsettling the group leaders and dragging the match into a physical contest, but De la Fuentes side have repeatedly shown they can absorb pressure and impose their rhythm.
Given Spains defensive assurance and the momentum they have built across the campaign, a fifth straight win would be the natural continuation of their progress. A place at the 2026 World Cup is now firmly within reach, and Saturday offers them a chance to take the final decisive step.