IFAF: Watch live – Georgia makes historic tackle football debut against Great Britain

The Georgia national team will make history when it hosts the Great Britain Development Squad in Tbilisi in the 2026–27 IFAF Men’s European Championship Level 2 competition, marking the country’s first appearance in an official international tackle football tournament.

Georgia ready for historic challenge

Under Scottish head coach Tom MacKay, Georgia has assembled a roster drawn from its six domestic clubs, which only transitioned from nine-man to 11-man football this season.

With several rugby players on the roster, the hosts hope their physicality can help compensate for their lack of international experience.

“We are not expecting that we will win this game, but we will try our best and we will try to show a good quality game,” said federation president David Palavandishvili.

Watch live. Great Britain Development @ Georgia, Oct. 11, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10am ET)

Britain’s next generation takes center stage

The Great Britain Development Squad represents a new chapter in the country’s national team program.

Following a restructuring by the British American Football Association, the former U19 program has been replaced by a development squad featuring players averaging just 22.5 years of age.

Head coach Adam Lillis will lead 45 players earning their first senior national team caps, with the ultimate goal of preparing them for the senior performance squad in 2027.

“I’m looking forward to seeing 45 players earn their first GB Men’s cap,” Lillis said.

While Great Britain brings a long European Championship tradition, including two titles, Georgia will be looking to make its historic debut memorable in front of its home supporters.

Watch live. Great Britain Development @ Georgia, Oct. 11, 16:00 CET (4 pm, 10am ET)