Spain knock Uruguay out: group leaders with a 1-0

In the final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to finish top of the group and reach the round of 32. The only goal of the match at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan came from Álex Baena in the first half. With this result, two-time world champions Uruguay bowed out at the group stage for the second World Cup in a row and were eliminated.

The decisive goal came in the 42nd minute. On Marcos Llorente's cross into the box, Álex Baena turned to shoot; although experienced keeper Fernando Muslera got two hands to the ball, he could not stop it from going into the net. The keeper's error put Spain ahead. Just before the goal, Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte had gone off on a stretcher with an injury.

Spain again started the second half with a possession edge; they held 67 percent possession across the match but managed only six shots. Both teams registered one shot on target; Spain's only one on target was the goal Muslera fumbled. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa drew attention by replacing Muslera, who had a poor tournament, with Sergio Rochet in the second half. Although Uruguay played a physical game, they struggled to find the final pass needed for a goal. Ferran Torres's effort from inside the box hit the post, while Uruguay only found their first shot on target of the tournament late in the match.

The closing minutes ended with a red card for Uruguay. Agustín Canobbio was sent off after a hard challenge on Pau Cubarsí. The match was refereed by the United States' Ismail Elfath. While Spain, finishing top of the group, earned a more favorable tie on paper in the round of 32, for Uruguay, who had a tough group, the tournament ended in unexpected disappointment.

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