The match between Spain and Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup will take place at the Guadalajara Stadium (Mexico) at 18:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Friday. It is the only encounter between two former World Cup winners in the group stage of this year's tournament.
Spain currently top Group H with 4 points, while Uruguay are second with 2 points. A victory would secure top spot for Spain, whereas Uruguay need at least a point to keep their fate in their own hands, as Cape Verde still have a chance to overtake them.
Is Spain ready?
After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in their opening match, Spain bounced back strongly with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old who opened the scoring in that match, said: 'The first game wasn't really us, but now we've arrived and we'll keep going.'
Coach Luis de la Fuente defended his players after criticism: 'It's crazy to doubt this team. These young players have a bright future.' Spain will be without Pedri due to suspension after two yellow cards.
Uruguay's woes under Bielsa
Uruguay entered the tournament with high expectations but have underwhelmed with two draws against Saudi Arabia (1-1) and Cape Verde (2-2). Coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted: 'Organizational mistakes always fall on the coach. There is no magic formula to fix them.'
Darwin Nunez, who made an impact coming off the bench, hopes for a starting role. However, Uruguay are still without key defender Ronald Araujo and attacking midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Stats and prediction
According to Opta data, Spain have a 62.2% chance of winning, while Uruguay have only 15.8% and the draw probability is 22.1%. Spain are unbeaten against Uruguay in 10 meetings over 76 years, winning 5 and drawing 5. Their two World Cup encounters (1950 and 1990) both ended in draws.
Expected lineups
Uruguay: Muslera (GK); Varela, Olivera, Caceres, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte; Canobbio, Valverde, M. Araujo; Nunez.
Spain: Simon (GK); Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Ruiz, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
