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Spain secured top spot in Group H and dumped Uruguay out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Estadio Guadalajara on Friday night.
Álex Baena scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, firing home after Marcos Llorente’s cross slipped through the grasp of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The goal proved enough to hand Spain all three points and seal a last-32 clash with the runners-up from Group J.
Uruguay entered the match needing a positive result to keep their World Cup hopes alive but were undone by another costly mistake from Muslera, whose error handed Spain the breakthrough. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa withdrew the 40-year-old goalkeeper at half-time, replacing him with Sergio Rochet after another difficult outing.
The South Americans had started brightly and created several promising opportunities, with Darwin Núñez twice going close before Spain struck. They also suffered a setback when midfielder Manuel Ugarte was forced off on a stretcher after sustaining an injury in the build-up to Baena’s goal.
Spain controlled much of the second half but failed to extend their lead despite creating better chances. Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late on, while Uruguay struggled to seriously trouble goalkeeper Unai Simón as their hopes of a comeback faded.
Uruguay’s frustration was compounded in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card for a high challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Bielsa’s men to finish with 10 players.
The defeat condemned Uruguay to a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit, finishing with just two points from three matches. Spain, meanwhile, progressed as Group H winners after keeping clean sheets throughout the group phase and recording their second victory of the tournament.
Spain will now face either Austria or Algeria in the Round of 32 on July 2, while Uruguay return home after another disappointing World Cup campaign.
