Spain sealed top spot in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow but important 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara. Alex Baena scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, giving La Roja the result they needed to finish the group stage unbeaten and move confidently into the Round of 32.
The match carried very different pressures for the two teams. Spain entered the game in control of their qualification situation after drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde and beating Saudi Arabia 4-0. A draw would have been enough to secure progression, but Luis de la Fuente’s side wanted first place in the group. Uruguay, meanwhile, needed a win to keep their World Cup hopes alive after drawing their first two matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Spain started with patience and control, moving the ball through midfield and forcing Uruguay to spend long periods without possession. Pedri, Rodri and Alex Baena helped Spain dominate the rhythm, while Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal tried to stretch Uruguay’s defensive shape. Uruguay showed physical intensity, but Marcelo Bielsa’s team struggled to turn their aggression into clear attacking chances.
The decisive moment came three minutes before half-time. In the 42nd minute, Baena took advantage of a mistake involving Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and finished to give Spain a 1-0 lead. The goal was not only important for the match, but also for the shape of Group H, as it pushed Uruguay closer to elimination and strengthened Spain’s control of the group.
Uruguay came out after the break knowing they needed at least two goals to rescue their campaign. They tried to increase the tempo and push more players forward, but Spain defended with composure and managed the game intelligently. Uruguay created a few dangerous moments, including late pressure around the Spanish box, but they lacked the sharpness and finishing quality required to break through.
The final stages became more heated as Uruguay’s frustration grew. Spain had chances to kill the game, including a late opportunity for Ferran Torres, but the score remained 1-0. Uruguay’s difficult night was summed up in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was sent off, ending any realistic hope of a late comeback.
From a tactical perspective, Spain were not at their most spectacular, but they were mature and disciplined. They controlled possession, limited Uruguay’s central threat and protected their lead effectively. Uruguay, by contrast, looked tense and disconnected in attack despite the urgency of their situation.
The result means Spain finish Group H with seven points and advance as group winners. Cape Verde also qualify after finishing second with three draws, while Uruguay are eliminated with just two points and no wins. For Spain, the victory confirms their status as one of the tournament’s strongest teams. For Uruguay, it is a painful and disappointing early exit from another World Cup. The result followed another tense qualification story, as Egypt reached the knockout stage after drawing with Iran in Group G.