Spain with Yamal visit Uruguay: Group H finale

Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup closes with a clash of two former world champions. Spain face Uruguay at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico. Spain, who have all but secured the round of 32, can finish top of the group with a win — and likely with a draw too. The European champions, who took control of the group with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, produced a stylish display after a goalless draw in the opener.

Uruguay also began the tournament with a draw but, unlike Spain, could not bounce back to a win afterwards. Draws with Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde left Marcelo Bielsa's side on the brink. For Uruguay, who need a win on Friday to qualify automatically, a draw could be enough to finish as one of the best third-placed teams, or even second, depending on the other match's result. Spain have never lost to two-time world champions Uruguay since a first meeting in 1950, winning five and drawing five of the previous 10 matches.

Spain's form this summer is proof of their consistency. La Roja, ranked third in the world, have not lost over 90 minutes in the past two years and are on a 12-match unbeaten run. The team's biggest asset is Lamine Yamal, whose return was crucial against Saudi Arabia. The young star scored just 10 minutes into his first World Cup start, instantly elevating those around him with his speed and ingenuity. Mikel Oyarzabal also stands out, with 22 goal contributions in his last 15 internationals.

For Uruguay, the picture is gloomy. Tension in the dressing room has seeped onto the field, and the South American giants produced unconvincing performances against inferior opponents. The team lacks the quality and depth of previous generations. Bielsa is also wrestling with a few injury issues before the Spain match: Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Barcelona center-back Ronald Araújo are out with calf problems. A major gaffe involving keeper Fernando Muslera and defender Mathías Olivera last time out could result in José María Giménez coming in at center-back in Olivera's place. Darwin Núñez, dropped against Cabo Verde, is expected to return to the starting XI.

Starting XIs
Uruguay (4-3-3): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Giménez, Sanabria; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur; Canobbio, Núñez, M. Araújo
Spain (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Williams, Oyarzabal, Yamal

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated