Georgia Readies for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Amid Escalating International Diplomacy and Domestic Political Tensions
October 13, 2025
Today, October 13, 2025, Georgia is gripped by anticipation as its national football team prepares for a critical World Cup qualifying match against Turkey tomorrow. Head coach Willy Sagnol expressed confidence, stating that Georgian football is developing and the team harbors ambitions to reach the World Cup. Player Anzor Mekvabishvili emphasized the need for a win, highlighting the pressure but also the challenge presented by the Turkish fans, noting that Georgian supporters will also be present in significant numbers. This crucial game follows recent international football successes for Georgian players, including Yuri Tabatadze's winning goal for Cadiz in La Liga 2, propelling his team to the top of the league, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's inclusion in Luciano Spalletti's all-time best XI.
On the international stage, US President Donald Trump was a central figure at a Peace Summit in Egypt, where leaders gathered for a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Trump reportedly greeted various world leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Pedro Sánchez, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Concurrently, news emerged of a planned meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on October 17 at the White House to discuss strategies for peace talks with Russia. This comes as Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas announced new measures against Russia's war economy, while Dmitry Medvedev issued a stern warning against the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, cautioning of severe repercussions for the US President.
Domestically, Georgia continues to navigate a turbulent political landscape. The aftermath of the October 4th protests remains a key topic, with political analysts and figures debating the opposition's effectiveness and the government's response. President Salome Zurabishvili critically labeled the current government as "pro-Russian" and accused Bidzina Ivanishvili of being the sole decision-maker employing "Russian methods." Meanwhile, the State Security Service (SSG) launched a "sabotage" investigation after the pro-government TV channel Imedi's broadcast was temporarily interrupted. The SSG also announced the arrest of three Georgian citizens associated with the "Takbirists Jamaat," allegedly planning to facilitate the entry of ISIS members into Georgia.
Economically, Georgia shows mixed but generally positive trends. The country reported a record 4.3 million foreign tourist visits from January to September 2025, with tourism revenues projected to hit $4.5 billion by year-end. Domestic tourism, particularly in Tusheti, saw a significant boost. The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their contributions to understanding innovation-driven economic growth. However, domestic issues persist, including the cancellation of an auction for 5 hectares of state land on the Borjomi Plateau following public outcry, and requests for additional funding to purchase surplus grapes from local farmers.
Beyond football, Georgian athletes continued to make headlines globally. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili remains a prominent figure, with discussions surrounding his fighting prowess and personal life. NBA player Sandro Mamukelashvili made a successful debut for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 15 points. In rugby, Giorgi Melikidze and David Niniashvili both scored tries in a thrilling French Top 14 encounter. Georgian youth boxers achieved remarkable success at the U19 European Championship, securing 5 medals (3 gold, 2 silver), while Giorgi Grigalashvili clinched the 2025 Georgian Drift Series championship, underscoring the diverse talent emerging from the country.