Spain Secures Knockout Stage Spot with Victory Over Uruguay

In a crucial match, Spain edged past Uruguay with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Alex Baena's first-half goal. This win secured Spain's top position in Group H, allowing them to progress to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. Uruguay, on the other hand, faced elimination after finishing with only two points. The match saw Spain dominate possession and create several chances, while Uruguay struggled to convert their opportunities. The game ended on a sour note for Uruguay as Agustin Canobbio received a red card in stoppage time, capping off a disappointing tournament for the South American side.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 27, 2026, 14:21 IST

Spain Triumphs in Group H

Photo: @Aadozo/X

Guadalajara, June 27: A first-half goal from Alex Baena was enough for Spain to secure a 1-0 victory against Uruguay on Friday, allowing them to finish at the top of Group H and advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. This defeat means Uruguay has been eliminated from the tournament.

Spain concluded the group stage with seven points, achieving two wins and a draw, while Cape Verde, the tournament's newcomers, secured the second knockout position with three draws. Uruguay ended their campaign with just two points, tied with last-placed Saudi Arabia.

Baena scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, finding space at the edge of the penalty area and firing a shot past the experienced Uruguay goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera.

The goal was somewhat unusual, as both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal were receiving treatment on the pitch while the play continued, but Baena took his chance without hesitation.

Uruguay started the match strongly, with Varela assigned to closely mark the dangerous Yamal. Spain's early efforts included two well-executed set pieces from Baena; the first was delivered to Pau Cubarsi, who headed over in the 16th minute, followed by another left-wing cross that Cubarsi missed again just two minutes later. Uruguay's best opportunity before halftime came in the 27th minute when Federico Valverde capitalized on a mistake by Rodri and slipped the ball to Darwin Nunez, who opted for an ambitious backheel instead of a direct shot.

Muslera had to leave the field briefly at halftime due to an error, but Uruguay found it challenging to create significant chances in the second half, despite having more possession. Substitute Federico Vinas missed a chance by shooting high over the bar from a cross by Maxi Araujo, while Spain remained dangerous on the counterattack.

Dani Olmo missed the target after a well-crafted pass from Yamal in the 63rd minute, and shortly after, Ferran Torres hit the crossbar following a quick break initiated by Ruiz.

Uruguay made some promising attacks in the closing minutes, but goalkeeper Unai Simon made crucial saves against Mathias Olivera and Nicolas de la Cruz. The frustration for Uruguay culminated in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio received a red card for a foul on Cubarsi, marking a disappointing end to their tournament.