Spain beats Uruguay to top Group H at World Cup 2026
Spain defeated Uruguay 1‑0 in the final Group H match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, securing first place and a round‑of‑16 berth. The lone goal came in the 42nd minute when Alex Baena capitalised on a mistake by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, whose hands could not keep the ball out of the net. Muslera was substituted at halftime, becoming the first keeper to be changed at a World Cup match under such circumstances since 1994.
Uruguay’s hopes of advancing evaporated; the team finished with two points, ending the tournament’s campaign for the two‑time world champions for the second consecutive edition. The loss was compounded by a red‑card for Agustín Canobbio in stoppage time and a serious knee injury to midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was forced to leave the field on a stretcher. Spain, meanwhile, will face the runner‑up of Group J (either Austria or Algeria) in the round of 16.
The match, played in Guadalajara, Mexico, saw Spain dominate possession but struggle to break down Uruguay’s defence until the decisive mistake. Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa made no further tactical changes after the halftime substitution, while Spain’s Luis de la Fuente kept his side’s lineup largely unchanged from the previous game.