2026 FIFA World Cup: Group H – Uruguay vs Spain

Uruguay face Spain in a Group H blockbuster showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Victory would see Uruguay top the group if Cape Verde fail to beat Saudi Arabia or they finish above Cape Verde in the event that they both win.

Spain will top the group if they avoid defeat and Cape Verde don’t beat Saudi Arabia by five or more goals, but would finish second if they lose and Cape Verde win their game.

 

Team News

Uruguay have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-2 draw against Cape Verde, with Ronald Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta unlikely to be involved due to calf injuries.

Spain have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, as Victor Munoz isn’t expected to feature due to his ongoing recovery from a muscle injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Uruguay meet Spain at Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico, on Friday 26 June at 6pm CST (1am, Saturday 27 June), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Uruguay have drawn each of their two previous World Cup meetings against Spain, having played out a 2-2 draw in 1950 then 0-0 in 1990.
• Spain are yet to play against Uruguay as the designated home team at a World Cup.
• Uruguay’s Federico Valverde has converted just two of his 10 shots onto target in two appearances in this tournament.
• 13 of Spain’s 61 crosses in their first two group matches were produced by Lamine Yamal.

 

Prediction

With both Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia capable of overtaking them if either of those two win their clash, this is do-or-die now for Uruguay who need to put together a solid performance as only a win would realistically see them finish in Group H’s top two unless the other game ends level.

Spain meanwhile absolutely found their top gears against Saudi Arabia and with a chance to top the group, I don’t see them letting up but they might need to be more patient because Uruguay have good quality players, so this could well be a game where their pressing intensity could be the difference.

I however do think that Spain will get the win and Uruguay will face elimination.

Prediction: Uruguay 1-2 Spain

Result: Uruguay 0-1 Spain