Uruguay 0–1 Spain: Baena strike sends Spain top of Group H and eliminates Uruguay
Spain claimed top spot in Group H with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara on 26 June 2026. Álex Baena's precise finish just before half-time, capitalising on an error by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, proved the decisive moment of the match.
Uruguay pressed for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to break down a disciplined Spanish defence. The match grew feisty after the break, with both sides picking up yellow cards and Agustín Canobbio receiving a red card deep into stoppage time for a dangerous challenge.
The result meant Uruguay were eliminated from the tournament for the second consecutive World Cup at the group stage, while Cape Verde — who drew 0–0 with Saudi Arabia in the parallel fixture — advanced to the knockout rounds in their debut World Cup appearance. Spain will face Austria in the Round of 32.
Key moments
- •Álex Baena scored the only goal of the match in the 43rd minute with a clinical cross shot after a Muslera error
- •Spain finished top of Group H with 7 points and a +5 goal difference
- •Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage for the second tournament running
- •Cape Verde made history by advancing to the knockout stage in their debut World Cup appearance
- •Agustín Canobbio was sent off in the 90+5th minute for a dangerous tackle
Timeline
Match facts
- Estadio de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Mexico
- ▶
- Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.