Spain seek top spot as Uruguay fight for knockout berth
Spain need only a draw to secure top spot in Group H, while Uruguay must win to guarantee their place in the Fifa World Cup 2026 knockout stage
Spain and Uruguay will square off in a decisive Group H clash at Estadio Akron in Zapopan on Friday (26 June), with first place in the group and a potentially easier route into the Fifa World Cup 2026 round of 32 on the line.
Spain head into the final group fixture in control of their own destiny after collecting four points from their opening two matches. Following a goalless draw in their opener, Luis de la Fuente's side produced one of the standout performances of the tournament with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
A win will secure top spot for La Roja, while a draw is also expected to be enough unless other results produce a dramatic swing in the standings.
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Uruguay, meanwhile, face a tougher task. Marcelo Bielsa's men have drawn both of their group matches and know only a victory over Spain will guarantee progression to the knockout stage. Any other result could leave La Celeste relying on favourable outcomes elsewhere to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Spain's attack has gathered momentum with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams back to full fitness, while Mikel Oyarzabal arrives in fine form after netting twice against Saudi Arabia. In midfield, Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo continue to dictate the tempo, giving the European champions the balance, control and creativity that have made them one of the tournament favourites.
Uruguay will look to Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte and Darwin Núñez to inspire a crucial victory. Bielsa's side possess the quality to trouble any opponent, but they will need to be at their clinical best against a Spain team that has looked increasingly dominant as the tournament has progressed.
The encounter also pits two contrasting football philosophies against one another, with Spain's possession-based approach facing Uruguay's high-intensity pressing and direct attacking style, setting the stage for one of the standout fixtures of the final round of group matches.
Probable XI
Spain: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (c), Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.
Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, José María Giménez, Martín Cáceres, Juan Manuel Sanabria; Federico Valverde (c), Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur; Agustín Canobbio, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo.
