Spain advance as Group H winners after 1-0 victory over Uruguay

ZAPOPAN – Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 as Group H winners after edging Uruguay 1-0, a result that also ended the South American side’s campaign at the group stage. The only goal of the match came shortly before half-time when Alex Baena finished off a move initiated by Marcos Llorente. Baena collected a low cross inside the penalty area and fired on goal, with Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera unable to keep the effort out as the ball slipped into the far corner. Muslera was replaced at the interval by Sergio Rochet after the costly mistake, as Uruguay attempted to turn the match around in the second half. Spain dominated possession for long periods and controlled the tempo throughout the contest. Uruguay battled hard in search of an equaliser but struggled to break through Spain’s organised defence and disciplined passing game. Spain nearly doubled their advantage late in the match when Ferran Torres struck the crossbar, narrowly missing the chance to seal a more comfortable victory. Uruguay’s disappointing tournament ended on a sour note in stoppage time after Agustin Canobbio was shown a red card following a challenge on Pau Cubarsi. The victory secured Spain top spot in Group H and a place in the Round of 32, where they will face the runners-up from Group J in Los Angeles on July 2. Uruguay, meanwhile, exit the tournament after failing to progress beyond the group stage.