FIFA 2026: Spain march into World Cup knockouts with victory over Uruguay

GUADALAJARA: Spain booked their place in the knockout stage of the World Cup after edging Uruguay 1-0 in a hard-fought Group H clash on Friday, with Alex Baena’s first-half goal proving decisive as the South Americans crashed out of the tournament.

Luis de la Fuente’s side finished top of the group with seven points from three matches, recording two victories and one draw. Tournament debutants Cape Verde also progressed after drawing all three of their group fixtures, while Uruguay exited with two points, level with Saudi Arabia at the foot of the standings.

Speaking after the victory, De la Fuente praised his players for adapting to another demanding challenge.

“Today’s game really put us to the test,” he said. “We’ve faced very difficult opponents throughout the group stage, and the team has responded every time. This was a different kind of contest, but once again the players rose to the occasion.

“We’re delighted to have come through three very challenging matches.”

The breakthrough arrived three minutes before halftime when Baena unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to gather the effort cleanly, allowing the ball to slip through his hands and into the net.

The goal came while Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal were receiving treatment after colliding, but play continued and Baena remained composed to capitalise on the opportunity.

“It may be one of the most satisfying goals I’ve scored,” Baena said after the match. “We expected a very difficult game.

“They were fighting to stay in the tournament, while we wanted to finish first in the group. We weren’t at our best, but we competed extremely well.”

Uruguay start brightly but fail to capitalise

Uruguay made an energetic start, focusing much of their defensive attention on 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who found little room to operate down the right flank.

Spain’s best early opportunities came from dead-ball situations. Pau Cubarsi headed wide from a Baena corner in the 16th minute before missing another close-range chance moments later from a similar delivery.

Uruguay came closest midway through the opening half after Federico Valverde dispossessed Rodri and slipped Darwin Nunez through on goal. Instead of shooting, however, Nunez attempted an audacious backheel that failed to trouble Spain.

Spain withstand late pressure

The pattern continued after the break as Uruguay pressed forward but struggled to create clear-cut openings. Substitute Federico Vinas nearly made an immediate impact, firing over from Maxi Araujo’s cross.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted his tactical changes were aimed at making his side more threatening in attack.

“I wasn’t able to make the most of the qualities this group of Uruguayan players possesses,” Bielsa said. “After taking Valverde off, I wanted the team to become more aggressive going forward.”

Spain introduced Dani Olmo just after the hour mark, but he was unable to convert Lamine Yamal’s inviting cross from inside the penalty area.

As Uruguay searched desperately for an equaliser, goalkeeper Unai Simon produced key saves to deny Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz.

Spain almost sealed victory late on when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar after being set up by Fabian Ruiz.

The atmosphere inside Guadalajara’s stadium was lively throughout, with Spanish and Mexican supporters joining together to sing “Cielito Lindo” as Uruguay’s hopes faded.

Frustration finally boiled over in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a reckless tackle on Cubarsi, bringing a disappointing World Cup campaign for Uruguay to an acrimonious close.