Spain Tops Group H, Knocks Uruguay Out of World Cup
Photo: REUTERS
Alex Baena’s late first-half goal propelled Spain to the top of Group H, officially knocking Uruguay out of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 1-0 victory secures a Round of 32 matchup for the European giants against the Group J runners-up in Los Angeles on 2 July.
Spain dominated possession for large stretches of the match. The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute when Marcos Llorente delivered a low cross to Baena.
Baena controlled the ball and fired a shot that Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to handle. The ball trickled into the far corner, ending Muslera’s night; manager Marcelo Bielsa replaced him with Sergio Rochet at halftime following the error.
Despite a spirited second-half effort from La Celeste, Spain’s precision passing stifled the comeback. Ferran Torres nearly doubled the lead in the final minutes, but his strike rattled the crossbar.
Uruguay’s disappointing exit turned sour deep in injury time. Agustin Canobbio received a red card for a tackle on Pau Cubarsi, marking a dismal conclusion to the tournament for Bielsa’s squad.
While Spain prepares for the knockout stages, Uruguay departs the competition at the group stage.
