Spain was crowned the king of Group H in the 2026 World Cup after beating Uruguay 1-0 in the group finale on Friday, June 26 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Álex Baena scored La Roja’s lone goal in the first half. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera let the ball bounce past him and he was hooked at the mid-match break.
Lamine Yamal nearly had an assist that bounced wide right and he did not score in the match.
Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off in the first half after stepping awkwardly. The nature of his injury was unknown.
The result eliminated Uruguay and sent Cape Verde through to the round of 32 as well after the tiny island nation held all three of its group opponents to draws, including Saudi Arabia in the final match.
Uruguay won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950 and has yet to return to glory. It was ranked as the No. 16 team in the tournament and is the highest-ranked side to be eliminated.
Spain hoisted the World Cup trophy in 2010 and won the European championship in 2024. La Roja is one of the favorites to win the global tournament again and its journey continues.
Relive the match with live updates and highlights below.
90' + 5' Agustín Canobbio given red card
Agustín Canobbio was handed a red card toward the end of the match and was ejected. He got the penalty after sliding into Pau Cubarsí while he was kicking the ball and knocking him to the pitch. Canobbio argued with the official, even after reaching the sidelines and his teammates had to hold him back.
90' + 3' Nicolás de la Cruz handed yellow card
Nicolás de la Cruz was given a yellow card for an aggressive play where he tripped Nico Williams. Tensions are heating up toward the end of the match and Agustín Canobbio ran up to the scene to defend his teammate. He pushed Williams and the two chirped at each other as the referee separated the growing group of players getting involved in the tussle.
5 minutes of stoppage time added
There will be five minutes of additional play in the second half of the Spain - Uruguay match.
86' Ferran Torres misses clear shot at goal
Ferran Torres nearly extended Spain's lead with a goal. He had a clear shot right in front of the net, but he kicked the ball over the crossbar.
76' Lamine Yamal's game is done
Lamine Yamal was subbed out of the match midway through the second half. The Barcelona star exited with Mikel Oyarzabal and they are replaced by Ferran Torres and Nico Williams. Yamal nearly had an assist that bounced wide right and he did not score in the match.
63' Lamine Yamal nearly notches an assist
Spain is threatening again. Lamine Yamal dribbled the ball and tossed a pass to Dani Olmo, who was waiting in front of the net. Olmo struck the ball and it flew just to the right of the goal.
60' Pedri subbed off
One of Spain's biggest stars, Pedri, was taken out of the match in the second half. Fabián Ruiz, who recently won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, came in as the substitution.
Spain leads at second hydration break
Spain is still up 1-0 at the second half hydration break. Fans could be heard booing on the FOX broadcast. FIFA's decision to implement the pause in play has been heavily criticized.
58' Guillermo Varela given yellow card
Guillermo Varela was handed a yellow card. He was running alongside Spain's Álex Baena and elbowed him in the face.
56' Federico Valverde subbed off in frustration
Uruguay captain Federico Valverde was substituted off in the second half off the match. He was replaced by Federico Vinas and was visibly frustrated walking to the sideline.
54' Juan Manuel Sanabria given yellow card for move on Lamine Yamal
Juan Manuel Sanabria was handed a yellow card for a play against Lamine Yamal. The teenage sensation was attempting to control the ball and Sanabria slid in what appeared to be an attempt to knock the ball away. He ended up tripping Yamal, who fell to the pitch, and was called for a penalty.
Courtesy: USA Today
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
