Spain confirmed its status as favorite by beating Uruguay 1-0 at the Guadalajara Stadium (Akron) and taking first place in Group H of the 2026 World Cup. The team led by Luis de la Fuente closed the group stage undefeated, with seven points and without conceding goals.
The only goal of the match came in the 42nd minute, when Álex Baena took advantage of an assist from Marcos Llorente to define with precision and break the tie. The play marked goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was unable to contain the shot.
Uruguay tried to react in the second half with higher pressure and quick transitions, but found themselves with a well-organized Spanish defense and a confident Unai Simón between the three sticks. La Celeste finished the game with ten players after an expulsion and could not avoid defeat.
With this result, Spain advanced to the round of 32 as leader of the group, while Cape Verde also made history by qualifying in its World Cup debut. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were eliminated after the group stage.
La Roja will face the next round with the confidence of having completed a solid group stage, while Uruguay says goodbye to the tournament with two draws and one defeat.