Spain top Group H as Uruguay exit World Cup

Spain secured a top spot in Group H at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Uruguay at Estadio Guadalajara on Friday, sending the South Americans home and securing Cape Verde’s place in the last 32.

Two-time world champions Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup.

Cape Verde, who qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, finished in second spot in Group H.

Spain were a clearly a dominant team in the match, enjoying 67% of possession and attempting six shots, one of which was on target and converted into a goal.

Uruguay also had one shot on target in five efforts.
Alex Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute of the match to put Spain ahead.

Fernando Muslera committed a huge error. A low ball was whipped in by Marcos Llorente towards Baena, who took a touch to control it before unleashing a shot on the swivel.

Muslera got two hands to the ball, but it slipped through and went into the back of the net.

Uruguay finished with 10 men after Augustin Canobbio was sent off in stoppage time.

Canobbio slid in with his studs showing on Pau Cubarsi, and the referee took no time to hand him a red card.

At the same time, in Houston, in another Group H match, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia played a goalless draw.

There were no goals in the game, but Cape Verde, the debutants, were a better side on the day.

They dominated the possession and had two shots on target in 15 attempts. Saudi Arabia had one more shot on target in seven efforts.