SOFIA, Bulgaria (Interstat) — Bulgaria defeated Georgia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, overcoming pregame projections that favored the visitors. Georgi Rusev opened the scoring in the 10th minute at Stadion Vasil Levski, followed by a goal from midfielder Filip Krastev in the 24th. Georgia avoided a shutout with a late goal from substitute Luka Lochoshvili in the 88th minute. The result defied the predictions of Interstat, which gave Georgia a 67% chance to win and projected a 1-1 draw.