Spain vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup result: Álex Baena opts for Spain in round of 32, Uruguay out

Spain players react during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) Spain booked their place in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of Group H after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay at the Guadalajara Stadium, with Álex Baena scoring the only goal of the game. The reigning European champions were far from the best in terms of fluidity, but capitalized on a costly first-half error before producing another disciplined defense to finish top of the group with seven points.It was a frustrating end to a tournament that never really got going for Uruguay. Marcelo Bielsa’s side arrived needing a win to secure promotion after opening the competition with back-to-back draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, but another wasteful attacking display condemned La Celeste to elimination with just two points from three games.

Baena’s decisive strike punishes a costly mistake by Muslera before the break

Spain went into the evening knowing a draw would be enough to secure top spot, while Uruguay faced a virtual knockout game after failing to win any of their opening games. As expected, Luis de la Fuente monopolized possession from the opening whistle, finishing the night with 68 per cent possession and completing an impressive 91 per cent pass accuracy, although Uruguay’s compact defensive shape prevented them from creating many clear-cut chances.

Spain’s Rodri (16) controls the ball against Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo (20) and Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte (5) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando L

The breakthrough and eventually the only goal of the match came in the 42nd minute after persistent Spanish pressure on the right wing. Marcos Llorente delivered a seemingly routine cross into the penalty area, but the bouncing ball completely fooled experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Instead of gathering comfortably, the Uruguayan captain let it slip through his grasp, with Álex Baena reacting quickest to guide the ball into the net to give Spain a 1-0 lead. It proved to be the defining moment of the match and a mistake from which Muslera never recovered as Bielsa replaced his captain with Sergio Rochet during the break.Moments later, Uruguay suffered another significant setback when midfielder Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off injured in the 44th minute, unbalancing a team already struggling to gain control in midfield.

Spain are controlling the game as Uruguay struggle to break through

Although Spain enjoyed a territorial advantage throughout the evening, Uruguay actually finished with one more shot than their opponents, attempting six attempts to Spain’s five, forcing Unai Simón into two saves compared to Rochet’s one stop.Lamine Yamal once again provided Spain’s main creative spark from the right wing despite the constant attention of Uruguay’s defenders. The teenage winger repeatedly drove inside to try to unlock the defense and produced one of the best moments of the game in the 65th minute when he slid past his marker before perfectly matching Dani Olmo. But the midfielder braced himself under pressure and lifted his finish over the crossbar from an excellent position.

Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo (20) battles for the ball with Spain’s Lamin Yamal (19) during a World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Uruguay’s aggressive approach to contain Yamal eventually led to Juan Manuel Sanabria being shown a yellow card in the 53rd minute after tripping the Barcelona youngster to the ground. With Spain managing both the result and the teenager’s workload ahead of the knockout rounds, Yamal made way for Nico Williams in the 76th minute.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal (19) reacts as he is tackled by Uruguay’s Juan Manuel Sanabria (25) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Bielsa’s tactical plan revolved around Federico Valverde supplying Darwin Núñez as quickly as possible, but the Spanish midfield denied both players the space they needed. Núñez spent much of the evening dropping deep or drifting into wide positions in search of possession, leaving him with only a speculative long-range effort in the 39th minute that sailed comfortably wide.

Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (9) is tackled by Spain’s Aymeric Laporte (14) Uruguay’s Darwin Nunez (9) during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Silzquierdovia I.)

Valverde became increasingly isolated before being substituted in the 56th minute for Federico Viñas, who walked to the bench with his shirt pulled over his face in visible frustration.

Uruguay threaten late on but Spain hold firm

Despite little rhythm in possession, Uruguay created more chances after falling behind. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ronald Araújo was met with a loose ball inside the area after a set-piece, but Unai Simón produced an excellent full-length save to preserve Spain’s advantage.Uruguay continued to press after the break, creating dangerous overloads in wide areas, but the final ball kept letting them down. Nicolás de la Cruz tested Simón from distance late in the match, with the Spanish goalkeeper struggling initially before gathering safely for the second attempt.The game became increasingly physical as both teams committed 14 fouls apiece. Uruguay collected three yellow cards through Sanabria, Federico Varela and De la Cruz, while Spain’s only card was given to striker Baena.

Players of Spain and Uruguay argue during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Tensions came to a head in the 90th minute when Dani Olmo and Federico Viñas collided in the Spanish penalty area, prompting furious penalty appeals from Uruguay players. The referee dismissed the claims and De la Cruz entered the book with his protests. Uruguay’s night worsened further in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, marking a messy end to their World Cup campaign.

Spain finished in first place, while Uruguay fell away

Spain finished the group stage unbeaten after opening with a draw against Cape Verde, before wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay secured seven points and top spot in Group H.In the final standings, Spain finished as group winners with seven points, followed by Cape Verde with three points to move into second place. Uruguay taking two points left them third and out, while Saudi Arabia also left the tournament with two points after finishing bottom on goal difference.As for Spain, the focus is now on the round of 32, carrying confidence built on another organized defense and only a handful of conceded chances in the group stage. A disappointing end to the campaign for Uruguay, with Bielsa’s talented side unable to convert the possession and attacking intent into victories needed to reach the knockout stages.