Ukraine vs Georgia 2 July 2026 Prediction

Ukraine is ahead of Georgia in the Group A standings, but the nominal host has not officially secured a place in the second round of World Cup qualifying yet. Denmark can still catch Ukraine in theory, though that scenario looks unlikely.

Ukraine Is Close to Securing the Next Round

Ukraine started qualifying with two wins, beating Georgia 92-79 and Denmark 88-71. Those results were followed by two losses to Spain, the clear favorite in the group, 66-86 and 64-78. Ainars Bagatskis’ team is not ready to compete with Europe’s top sides, but it should still reach the second stage of qualifying. Denmark is unlikely to win two straight games and create a late turnaround, so Ukraine may secure its place even with a loss here.

Ukraine’s main player right now is Kovliar. The Buducnost guard is averaging 21.3 points per game in 2027 World Cup qualifying.

Ukraine Predicted Lineup: Kovliar - Tkachenko, Mykhailiuk - Bobrov, Skapintsev

Out: None

Manager: Ainars Bagatskis

Georgia Has Only Beaten Denmark

Georgia’s only wins in the first stage of World Cup qualifying came against Denmark. It has lost to both Ukraine and Spain, so the final two games will be difficult for Aleksandar Dzikic’s team. This time, Georgia should be helped by Shengelia, who reached the final with Barcelona last season, as well as NBA center Bitadze.

Reed also deserves attention. The naturalized American is averaging 23.5 points per game in qualifying.

Georgia Predicted Lineup: Ochkhikidze - Reed, Sanadze - Burjanadze, Bitadze

Out: None

Manager: Aleksandar Dzikic

Ukraine Leads the Head-to-Head

The only meeting between these teams over the last four years ended with a 92-79 win for Ukraine.

Ukraine vs Georgia Prediction: Georgia Handicap +3.5

• Main prediction: Ukraine, even with Mykhailiuk leading the roster, still looks like a mid-level European national team. The hosts lack depth, which was clear in their March qualifying losses. Georgia, meanwhile, looks ready for the summer window, as shown by its recent 87-77 friendly win over Latvia. The pick is Georgia +3.5 handicap at 1.84.
• Total prediction: Group A games have not been especially high-scoring. All four teams, including Ukraine and Georgia, play defense-first basketball and do not have many consistent shooters on the roster. Ukraine had a strong offensive game in the first meeting thanks to Kovliar, but it is unlikely to repeat that level here. The bet is under 168.5 total points at 1.90.
• High-odds prediction: Ukraine often starts slowly, losing the first quarter in four of its last five games. Georgia, by contrast, tends to begin well before dropping off in the second half. The visitors should try to take the initiative early again. The value option is Georgia to win the first quarter and the match at 3.60.