Spain secured top spot in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, whose hopes of reaching the knockout stage ended following a costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Muslera failed to hold a tame effort from Álex Baena, allowing the ball to slip over the goal line and hand Spain all three points. The result sent Luis de la Fuente’s side into the Round of 32 as group winners with seven points, while Uruguay bowed out of the tournament.
By finishing first, Spain avoided an early knockout meeting with defending champions Argentina and will instead face either Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, tournament debutants Cape Verde also made history by qualifying from the group after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, setting up a blockbuster clash with Argentina.
Spain controlled possession for much of the contest, with Rodri and Pedri dictating play in midfield. Uruguay created the first clear opportunity through Darwin Núñez, but the striker failed to convert.
The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute after Lamine Yamal combined with Marcos Llorente on the right flank. Llorente’s cross found Álex Baena, whose low shot appeared routine for Muslera. However, the experienced goalkeeper misjudged the effort, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the net.
Uruguay’s problems deepened moments later when midfielder Manuel Ugarte was forced off with an apparent leg injury. Muslera was also replaced at halftime by Sergio Rochet after his costly error.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa attempted to revive his side by introducing fresh legs and substituting captain Federico Valverde midway through the second half, but Uruguay struggled to break down Spain’s disciplined defence. The South Americans managed just one shot on target throughout the match.
Their frustrations boiled over in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, ending a disappointing campaign on a sour note.
Following the defeat, Bielsa accepted responsibility for Uruguay’s early exit.
“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it,” the Argentine coach said after the match.
Despite securing qualification, Spain’s performance raised some concerns as injuries threatened to affect the squad. Substitute Yéremy Pino suffered a shoulder problem, while Nico Williams finished the game with a muscle strain.
Nevertheless, La Roja extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 34 and advanced to the knockout stage without conceding a goal in the tournament, reinforcing their status as one of the favourites for the World Cup title.