Agencies | Estadio Akron:
Two-time world champions Uruguay were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their final Group H fixture on Friday, condemning La Celeste to a second successive group-stage exit following a similar disappointment in Qatar four years ago.
Spain finished top of Group H with seven points from two wins and a draw, while tournament debutants Cape Verde secured the second automatic qualification spot for the knockout stage after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw. Uruguay ended their campaign on just two points, level with bottom-placed Saudi Arabia, and also missed out on one of the eight best third-placed qualification spots.
Ranked 16th in the world and the second-highest-ranked team in the group behind Spain, Uruguay arrived at the tournament with high expectations. However, Marcelo Bielsa’s side failed to deliver, managing only draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before falling to Spain in a must-win encounter.
How the Match Unfolded
Spain controlled possession throughout the opening half but struggled to break down Uruguay’s disciplined defence. The breakthrough came just before the interval when Álex Baena’s effort slipped through the hands of veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and crossed the line, handing La Roja a crucial lead.
Muslera was substituted at half-time following the costly error as Uruguay pushed aggressively for an equaliser after the restart. However, Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced a series of crucial saves to deny Mathías Olivera and Nicolás de la Cruz, while Ferran Torres came close to extending Spain’s advantage after rattling the crossbar.
Uruguay’s frustrations boiled over deep into stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, capping a disappointing evening for the South American side.
The victory ensured Spain progressed to the knockout stage as Group H winners, while Cape Verde completed one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by advancing to the Round of 32 at Uruguay’s expense in their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance.
