7M - Uruguay 0-1 Spain: Alex Baena strikes as Luis de la Fuente's side seal Group H top spot and eliminate Marcelo Bielsa's men

Spain secured first place in Group H and prolonged their stay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Uruguay 1-0 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. A clinical second-half finish from Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena was enough to see La Roja progress with seven points, while Marcelo Bielsa's side suffered group-stage elimination.

Knowing only a victory would guarantee their spot in the round of 16, Uruguay began the encounter on the front foot with Darwin Nunez threatening the Spanish defence. Despite their early energy, La Celeste struggled to truly break down Spain's organized shape. Luis de la Fuente's men grew into the contest as the match progressed, maintaining composure and possession across the pitch while carefully managing Uruguay's dangerous attacking counter-threats.

The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute when Baena controlled a precise pass inside the area and calmly slotted it past Sergio Rochet. Uruguay pushed hard for a late equalizer to keep their World Cup dreams alive, but Spain's disciplined backline stood firm to preserve the clean sheet. The result meant Spain advanced as group winners ahead of second-placed Cape Verde, while Uruguay finished bottom of the group with just two points.