Spain crash Uruguay out of World Cup with narrow victory

Spain secured top spot in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara on Friday, a result that condemned the two-time world champions to a second consecutive group-stage exit while sending tournament debutants Cape Verde into the knockout rounds for the first time.

The decisive moment came three minutes before half-time when Álex Baena capitalised on a costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, whose error gifted Spain the only goal of an otherwise tightly contested encounter.

The victory ensured Luis de la Fuente’s European champions finished top of the group and advanced confidently to the Round of 32, while Uruguay’s campaign ended in disappointment after they failed to collect the point they desperately needed.

With qualification already secured, Spain still fielded a strong side featuring youngsters Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí alongside experienced midfielders Rodri and Pedri.

Uruguay, meanwhile, entered the match knowing that avoiding defeat would likely be enough to reach the knockout stage, but Marcelo Bielsa’s men struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a disciplined Spanish defence.

Spain dominated possession from the opening whistle, controlling the tempo and pinning Uruguay deep inside their own half.

Mikel Oyarzabal nearly opened the scoring in the second minute after being set up by Yamal, but the effort was blocked before troubling Muslera.

Despite Spain’s territorial dominance, clear-cut chances remained limited until the 42nd minute.

Marcos Llorente’s low cross caused confusion inside the Uruguay penalty area, and Baena reacted quickest, swivelling before firing a low shot that slipped underneath Muslera.

It was the goalkeeper's third error leading directly to a goal during the tournament, a statistic that highlighted Uruguay’s defensive struggles throughout the group stage.

The setback became even more painful for La Celeste when midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered an injury shortly before the interval and was forced off on a stretcher.

Muslera himself was substituted at half-time, possibly marking the end of his distinguished World Cup career after making his 19th appearance for Uruguay.

Knowing they needed an equaliser to stay alive, Uruguay increased their intensity after the restart but lacked composure in the final third.

Darwin Núñez worked tirelessly up front yet once again failed to make a decisive impact, extending his frustrating run without a competitive goal contribution for the national team.

Nicolás de la Cruz injected energy after coming off the bench, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Federico Valverde battled relentlessly in midfield, but Spain remained largely untroubled.

Spain also squandered opportunities to put the contest beyond doubt.

Dani Olmo fired over from an excellent position before Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late in the match.

Nevertheless, Unai Simón was rarely called into serious action as Uruguay produced just one effort on target throughout the contest.

The frustration finally boiled over in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless studs-up challenge on Pau Cubarsí before confronting referee Ismail Elfath, bringing an ugly conclusion to Uruguay’s disappointing campaign.

At the final whistle, confirmation arrived that Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Saudi Arabia had been enough to secure second place in the group, completing one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

The island nation celebrated a historic first qualification for the World Cup knockout stage, while Uruguay were left to reflect on another painful early exit.

Spain now move into the Round of 32 full of confidence as they continue their pursuit of a second FIFA World Cup title, whereas serious questions are expected over Marcelo Bielsa’s future after Uruguay’s second successive group-stage elimination.

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