Spain Break Uruguay Hearts with World Cup Victory

Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 in their final Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With this win, Spain finished top of the group. They also moved into the knockout stage with confidence.

For Uruguay, however, the result was painful. La Celeste failed to reach the next round. As a result, they went out in the group stage for the second World Cup in a row.

The match was not full of chances. Still, one big mistake changed everything. Fernando Muslera failed to stop a weak shot from Alex Baena in the 42nd minute. Therefore, Spain took the lead and never let it go.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Petu_ouNzr4

Spain Start With Control

Spain began the match with more of the ball. They passed well and stayed calm. However, they did not take many risks in attack.

Their midfield moved the ball from side to side. Even so, Uruguay kept a tight shape. Because of that, Spain found it hard to create clear chances.

Uruguay also played with strong desire. However, they struggled to move the ball forward. Their attackers had little space. As a result, they rarely looked dangerous.

Maxi Araujo pulls Lamine Yamal’s shirt during Uruguay’s match against Spain. Photo: AP

A Slow First Half Changes Suddenly

The first half was quiet for a long time. In the first 40 minutes, both teams had only three shots. None of them were on target.

Lamine Yamal tried to get involved. However, Uruguay closed him down quickly. Meanwhile, Spain stayed patient and waited for space.

Then, in the 42nd minute, the key moment arrived. Marcos Llorente attacked down the right and crossed into the box. Alex Baena took a soft shot. It did not look dangerous.

However, Muslera made a costly error. He failed to deal with the ball, and it slowly rolled into the net. As a result, Spain went 1-0 up before half-time.

At the same time, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia were drawing 0-0. Therefore, Spain and Cape Verde were on course to go through.

Alex Baena celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Spain, alongside Rodri, in the match against Uruguay. Photo: AP

Uruguay Try to Fight Back

At the start of the second half, Uruguay made a big change. Coach Marcelo Bielsa replaced Muslera with Sergio Rochet.

After that, Uruguay pushed higher up the pitch. They tried to attack more through the wings. However, Spain stayed calm and did not panic.

Instead, La Roja slowed the game down. They used short passes in midfield. Because of this, Uruguay had to chase the ball often. Gradually, they began to lose energy.

Lamine Yamal reacts after a tackle by Juan Manuel Sanabria. Photo: AP

Spain Defend With Discipline

As the match went on, Uruguay became more desperate. They sent more crosses into the box. However, Spain’s defenders stayed focused.

Uruguay needed one goal to keep their hopes alive. Still, they could not create a clear chance. Their final passes were rushed. Their shots were also poor.

Meanwhile, Spain managed the game well. They kept possession when they could. Moreover, they avoided taking needless risks.

In the final minutes, Uruguay pushed forward again. Nevertheless, Spain held firm and protected their lead until the final whistle.

Uruguay risks being eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.

Spain Top Group H, Uruguay Go Home

The 1-0 win gave Spain first place in Group H. Therefore, they moved into the knockout stage as group winners.

Cape Verde also made history in the other match. They drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and finished second. As a result, they joined Spain in the next round.

Uruguay, however, were eliminated. It was another sad World Cup ending for the two-time champions. They also went out in the group stage for the second straight tournament.

This result will raise many questions for Uruguay. They have talented players. However, they lacked ideas in attack and failed to deliver in a must-win match.

Spain secured top spot in Group H after a 1-0 victory over Uruguay – Photo: AP

Uruguay vs Spain Result

Uruguay 0-1 Spain

Goal:

Spain: Alex Baena, 42′

Final Group H Outcome

Spain finished first and reached the knockout stage. Cape Verde finished second and also advanced. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay were eliminated.

Spain now move forward with belief. They did not play their best football, but they showed control and maturity. Uruguay, on the other hand, leave the World Cup with regret after another early exit.

#WorldCup2026 #Uruguay #Spain