Spain knocked Uruguay out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory to finish top of Group H, as another costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera proved decisive.
European champions Spain had already all but secured a place in the Round of 32 before kick-off, but Alex Baena’s first-half goal ensured they topped the group and will face the runners-up of Group J in the knockout stage.
Uruguay’s disappointing campaign ended with midfielder Agustin Canobbio being sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Pau Cubarsi.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side needed a positive result to keep their hopes alive, but the defeat condemned the two-time world champions to a second successive group-stage exit after finishing with two points from three matches.
Spain took the lead in the 42nd minute after surviving an early spell of Uruguay pressure. Baena turned smartly before beating Muslera with a low shot that slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands despite getting both palms to the ball.
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Uruguay protested the goal, arguing Spain should have put the ball out of play after Manuel Ugarte went down injured during the build-up. The Manchester United midfielder later received treatment and was stretchered off.
Muslera, making his 137th international appearance, was replaced at half-time by Sergio Rochet after committing his third error leading to a goal in as many World Cup matches.
The change failed to alter the game’s momentum as Spain controlled the second half, although they were unable to extend their lead.
Uruguay pushed forward in the closing stages but rarely troubled Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, restored to the starting line-up, missed two good opportunities shortly after the first-half cooling break, while Spain substitute Ferran Torres struck the crossbar late on.
The victory gave Spain their second win of the tournament and marked the first time since their 2010 title-winning campaign that they have won two matches in a single World Cup.
Spain progress with defensive solidity
After criticism following their goalless draw with Cape Verde, Spain responded by thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 before edging Uruguay to complete the group stage without conceding a goal.
Luis de la Fuente’s side showed they can grind out results against physical opposition, although they created only six shots, with just one on target, and had less possession than their opponents in a World Cup match for the first time since 2002.
Spain will face either Austria or Algeria in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on July 2.
Uruguay pay the price again
Uruguay’s early exit continues a worrying decline that began after the 2024 Copa America.
Bielsa’s team struggled to reproduce the high-intensity football associated with the Argentine coach, managing just one shot on target against Spain despite needing victory.
Muslera, recalled from international retirement by Bielsa earlier this year, became the first goalkeeper since records began in 1966 to make three errors leading directly to goals in a single World Cup.
His substitution at half-time may become one of the defining moments of Uruguay’s disappointing tournament.
Spain will face Austria or Algeria in the last 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, 2 July (20:00 BST).
The two Group J sides play each other on Sunday, 28 June (03:00 BST), for the right to finish second and play Spain.
