Everything is to play for as Group H enters its thrilling climax, with title favourites Spain hoping to avoid an early confidence blow in their pursuit of World Cup glory.
La Roja take on Marcelo Bielsa’s faltering Uruguay side, who are on the verge of an early exit if they fail to beat group leaders Spain tonight after being held to underwhelming draws against Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde in their opening two fixtures.
Cape Verde have been the surprise package of this tournament, having also ground out a remarkable goalless stalemate with Spain in their opener - if they better Uruguay’s result, they will progress as Group H runners-up and their World Cup fairytale will continue into the knockouts.
The tiny African island take on Saudi Arabia, who are also still in contention despite their thrashing at the hands of Spain last time out - and with both games kicking off simultaneously, Group H could deliver the most dramatic 90 minutes of the World Cup so far.
Follow all the latest updates as Group H reaches its climax below:
Read MoreWhat do Spain and Cape Verde need to qualify for World Cup knockouts from Group H?
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Uruguay vs Spain LIVE
- Spain take on Uruguay hoping to cement place as Group H leaders | Live on ITV1
- 42’ GOAL! Baena hooks the ball into the goal and Spain lead [URU 0-1 ESP]
- Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia simultaneously clash with World Cup knockouts still in reach for both
- Debutants Cape Verde can progress as runners-up if they better Uruguay's result
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:52 , Mike Jones87 mins: Three minutes of the 90 to play. Uruguay still have time as there will be a few minutes added on at the end.
But is it enough time to get them back into the match?
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:49 , Mike Jones84 mins: The set piece is swung into the box and cleared away by Nico Williams.
The ball comes out to Bentancur who fires a cross back into the middle but it sails over everyone’s heads.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:46 , Mike Jones81 mins: A second Spain goal would kill this match off but, for now at least, there is a bit of resistance from Uruguay.
They win a corner and will have the chance to pressure the Spanish goal.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:43 , Mike Jones78 mins: Time is running out for Uruguay and Marcelo Bielsa knows it.
He looks furious on the sidelines as he’s issuing instructions to his men.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:40 , Mike Jones75 mins: So far so good for Spain, and for Scotland.
15 minutes to play in Mexico to deterine how Group H ends.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:33 , Mike Jones69 mins: Hydration break number two.
It’s still goalless between Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. As things stand Cape Verde will be going through to the knockout rounds!
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:29 , Mike Jones66 mins: Yamal finally gets a one-on-one with the Uruguay left-back and sweeps past him.
He drives into the box and slips a pass to Dani Olmo who then blasts a shot over the crossbar!
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:26 , Mike Jones63 mins: Spanish changes.
Pedri and Mikel Morino are replaced by Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:25 , Mike Jones60 mins: A loose pass from Rodri gives the ball away and Uruguay manage to get an early cross into the box only for Unai Simon to claim it.
Half an hour to play.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:24 , Mike Jones57 mins: Marcelo Bielsa makes a bold call and takes off Fede Valverde.
The Real Madrid man is the most prominent member of Uruguay’s squad and he’s just not been in the game.
Federico Vinas replaces him.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:18 , Mike Jones54 mins: Ouch! Pedri spins away from Canobbio and looks to advance but the Uruguay midfielder lunges at him.
Canobbio lands and scrapes down Pedri’s shin and it’s a hurtful one for the Spaniard.
He’s okay though and will continue.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:14 , Mike Jones51 mins: Here are some thoughts from Gary Neville on Fernando Muslera’s first half mistake.
Neville said: “You talk about a mistake, it actually transforms the entirety of the group, the entirety of this half and the Uruguay spirit.
“They have a big job now to get back in the game.
“It was a bad moment for the goalkeeper. I actually feel sorry for him.”
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:12 , Mike Jones48 mins: Uruguay’s aim has become clear, they must score or else they’re out of the World Cup.
Other than the goalkeeper switch there hasn’t been any other replacements from Marcelo Bielsa.
Second half! Uruguay 0-1 Spain
02:10 , Mike JonesUruguay’s goalkeeper has been subbed off the pitch at half-time!
Fernando Muslera has been replaced by Sergio Rochet for the second half as Uruguay try to keep themselves in the World Cup.
As things stand
02:05 , Mike JonesAs things stand in Group H, Spain will win the group and Cape Verde are going through to the last-32 in second place.
Uruguay will finish third but they won’t have enough points to go through.
Costly mistakes
02:02 , Mike JonesUruguay's Fernando Muslera has become the first goalkeeper on record since 1966 to commit three errors leading to goals in a single World Cup tournament.
A tournament to forget.
Half-time! Uruguay 0-1 Spain
01:56 , Mike Jones45+8 mins: Spain head into the break with a slender lead but one that, on the face of the first half, could be crucial.
A mistake from Uruguay’s goalkeeper could have condemned them to an early exit but Marcelo Bielsa’s men have 45 minutes to turn things around.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
01:48 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: There’s eight minutes of added time to play in the first half.
That Spanish goal is good news for Scotland too as Uruguay sit third in Group H but only have two points meaning they remain below Scotland in the third place table.
Uruguay 0-1 Spain
01:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Even worse for Uruguay, Manuel Ugarte needs to go off.
The Man Utd midfielder jarred his right knee trying to recover the ball during the move that led to Baena’s goal.
He collided with one of his teammates and was stretchered off the pitch.
Nicolas de la Cruz replaces him.
GOAL! Uruguay 0-1 Spain (Alex Baena, 42')
01:44 , Mike JonesMassive!
Pedri feeds the ball into the box and finds Yamal. He is tackled but the ball comes loose and is fired back into the middle.
Alex Baena is first to it and turns a first time effort towards goal. Muslera should stop it but he fumbles the ball and it dribbles over the line.
Spain lead!
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: Marcelo Bielsa is sat on the side of the pitch and yelling instructions out to his team. He knows Uruguay have built a bit of momentum in this game and wants them to capitalise on it.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:36 , Mike Jones33 mins: There’s not a lot of penetration from Spain. It’s a similar vibe to England’s performance against Ghana.
Plenty of possession but not much end product and then hit on the break by Uruguay flying forward.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:32 , Mike Jones30 mins: Nunez flicks the ball on from a throw in and drives up towards the box.
The ball comes out wide to the right and is curled low into the middle by Araujo but Nunez can’t arrive in time to get on the end of it.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:29 , Mike Jones27 mins: Close!
Valverde bullies his way onto the ball and dances into the right side of the box. He squares it across to Nunez who looks like he tries to backheel it into the net.
He misses the ball and Spain are left to clear their lines again.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:27 , Mike Jones24 mins: Hydration break time.
Oh the joys.
Still goalless between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. As things stand, Uruguay stay second and Cape Verde third.
Both of them will have a better goal difference than Scotland as well which would pretty much put the nail in the coffin of their World Cup campaign.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:22 , Mike Jones21 mins: Close!
Baena swings the corner over to the far side of the box where it’s won by Pau Cubarsi.
He nods the ball down towards the six yard box and Muslera scoops it up.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:21 , Mike Jones18 mins: That’s a nice move from Spain. They work it quickly across the pitch after a throw in on the right.
It comes to Baena who slips a first time pass into the box for Oyarzabal.
Oyarzabal’s run is well timed but he’s forced wide and the ball is poked out for a corner.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:17 , Mike Jones15 mins: Yamal twists his way down the right side of the pitch and wins a corner.
Baena swings it into the penalty area and onto the head of Rodri but he can’t guide the ball towards goal.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:15 , Mike Jones12 mins: Oh wow! Baena makes a poor pass after Spain recover the ball inside their own half.
He gives it away to Valverde who looks for a one-two with Nunez to get himself into the area but the return pass is intercepted and Spain clear.
This is better from Uruguay.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:11 , Mike Jones9 mins: Uruguay haven’t quite gotten themselves into the contest yet and are finding it tricky to play through Spain, especially in midfield.
Spain are enjoying plenty of the ball but the South American side are employing a decent press.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:08 , Mike Jones6 mins: Uruguay win a free kick over on the left side of the pitch and swing in a cross.
The ball is headed straight up from the initial delivery and Unai Simon comes to claim it.
Instead, he drops and fumbles it causing the ball to come loose inside the six yard box.
Luckily for Spain the nearest player is a defender who hooks it clear before any damage is done.
Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: A poor pass back from Bentancur feeds the ball into the path of Lamine Yamal. He skips out of a tackle and slides the ball over to Oyarzabal.
The attacker shoots from the left side of the box and wins the first corner of the game.
Kick off! Uruguay 0-0 Spain
01:02 , Mike JonesSpain get the ball rolling in Mexico and send it back to Unai Simon.
He’s put under pressure by a pressing Darwin Nunez and hooks the ball out of play on the right side of the pitch.
Uruguay v Spain
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:54 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at the Estadio Guadalajara.
Spain still have some work to do and must ensure they win tonight in order to top Group H.
Uruguay will be out if they don’t at least draw with Spain.
In the other game of Group H, Cape Verde are attempting to reach the knockout rounds when they face Saudi Arabia.
How will it all play out? We’re about to find out...
Why imperfect perfectionist Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay were doomed to fail at World Cup
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:48 , Richard JollyMarcelo Bielsa’s World Cup started with him staring at the floor. Now he is staring at an early exit. “I’m not a model,” said the Uruguay manager after his official Fifa photo showed him refusing to look at the camera.
It has not been a model World Cup for him, either: draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde leave Uruguay requiring at least a point against Spain to avert an ignominiously early exit, and with it the end of Bielsa’s reign.
Why imperfect perfectionist Bielsa and Uruguay were doomed to fail at World Cup
Will Spain top the group?
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:36 , Mike JonesSpain won their final group stage match at every World Cup between 1986 and 2014.
However, La Roja failed to do so in each of the last two editions, drawing 2-2 with Morocco in 2018 before losing 2-1 to Japan in 2022.
Which way will tonight’s match go?
Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain run rampant against Saudi Arabia
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:30 , Flo CliffordWorld Cup favourites Spain underlined their credentials with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, spearheaded by starlet Lamine Yamal.
The European champions arrived in the United States among the major contenders to lift the trophy, but those predictions had come under feverish scrutiny after being held 0-0 by the minnows of Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal as Spain run rampant against Saudi Arabia
Uruguay vs Spain
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:24 , Mike JonesUruguay and Spain will meet in the World Cup for the third time on Saturday, with their last encounter on the big stage coming more than 30 years ago.
Another draw
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:18 , Mike JonesThe only other contest between the nations came in the final round of the 1950 World Cup, where they played out a 2-2 draw in São Paulo.
The last World Cup meeting
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:12 , Mike JonesThe most recent meeting between the two teams ended in a goalless draw in the group stage of the 1990 World Cup in Udine, Italy.
Will we see a repeat of that result tonight?
Uruguay v Spain line-ups
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:02 , Mike JonesUruguay XI: Muslera; Caceres, Varela, Olivera; Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Canobbio, Araujo, Sanabria; Nunez
Spain XI: Simon; Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Merino, Baena, Rodri, Pedri; Oyarzabal, Yamal
Inside the politicisation of the first-ever World Cup pride match
Saturday 27 June 2026 00:00 , Kieran JacksonWhen the initial 2026 World Cup schedule was released two years ago, the date of Seattle’s final group-stage contest fashioned an unmissable opportunity. The “Emerald City”, positioned with its exquisite downtown skyline off the Pacific coast in Washington state, is famous for its spectacular Pride celebrations at the end of June. It coincides with the 1969 Stonewall Riots, seen as the catalyst for the liberation of gay people in the United States more than 55 years ago.
For Jen Barnes, founder and CEO of Rough & Tumble – a first-of-its-kind sports bar which promotes gender equity and inclusivity in sports viewing and fandom – Friday is a chance to parade the LGBTQ+ community in perfect harmony with the world’s most popular sport and its greatest show.
‘Queer people are everywhere’: Inside the politicisation of the World Cup pride match
Pre-match thoughts from Bielsa
Friday 26 June 2026 23:50 , Mike Jones"Now we have to play Spain with the necessity and obligation of winning," Marcelo Bielsa said of Uruguay’s predicament.
He added, "[It was] an opportunity for the team to improve the impression they are making against a great opponent."
Uruguay on brink of early exit
Friday 26 June 2026 23:40 , Mike JonesOnly a positive result against Spain in this clash will stop Uruguay from a disappointing early exit.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side must avoid defeat at the very with only a win guaranteeing them a place in the next round.
A draw would leave them on three points with a goal difference of 0. That would put them in the top eight of third place finishers and see them progress but they have work to do against the European champions.
Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope
Friday 26 June 2026 23:30 , Richard JollyIf Belgium spent years pondering the question of what came after the golden generation, there was a certain logic to the answer: the next generation. Their World Cup has come to the backdrop a needless controversy about Jeremy Doku’s decision to leave the camp for the birth of his son, Praise.
Rather less praise has been forthcoming for the Red Devils; criticism is likelier to follow should they tumble out of a second consecutive World Cup in the group stage.
Belgium have wasted a golden generation – but there is one last World Cup hope
Spain aiming for final
Friday 26 June 2026 23:20 , Mike JonesDe la Fuente also outlined Spain’s ultimate for this World Cup.
He said: "We need to produce our best version. Every knockout round becomes more difficult.
“We want to reach the final and continue to develop, and the opponent will be fiercer and stronger each time."
Minimal changes for Spain
Friday 26 June 2026 23:10 , Mike Jones"The performance we delivered in the last match does not call for us to make changes, but I am very pleased with what the players who came on as substitutes produced and with what I see in training,” explained Luis de la Fuente when asked about possible changes for tonight’s game.
“Whoever plays will put in a good performance. We will carry out a final review this evening, but I already know who will play."
The World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
Friday 26 June 2026 23:00 , Mike JonesScotland‘s World Cup hopes are on the brink after finishing third in Group C following a 3-0 defeat to Brazil - and their fate is out of their hands.
Steve Clarke’s side defeated Haiti in their opening match before a slim 1-0 loss to Morocco. A dispiriting defeat to Brazil left them with just three points and a goal difference of -3, as well as an agonising wait to determine if they’ll make it into the knockout rounds.
The six World Cup results Scotland need to qualify for knockout stages
How to watch Uruguay vs Spain
Friday 26 June 2026 22:50 , Mike JonesTonight’s Group H encounter between Uruguay and Spain will be broadcast on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 12.15am.
Kick off is at 1am and the match is being played at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
The strange Mauricio Pochettino outburst that is cause for concern for USA
Friday 26 June 2026 22:40 , Kieran JacksonIn this case, it's best to start at the end of 15 strange and slightly disorienting minutes in the Los Angeles Stadium underbelly. Clearly perplexed and irritated by the tone of some questions in his customary post-match press conference, after the USA’s last-gasp but ultimately inconsequential defeat against Turkey, head coach Mauricio Pochettino had to get something off his chest. Again.
A matter of moments after voicing his bemusement that nobody had offered his team a token gesture of recognition for finishing top of a group involving Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, the overstimulated Argentinean went into overdrive once more.
The Pochettino outburst that is cause for concern for USA before World Cup knockouts
Spain's early team news
Friday 26 June 2026 22:30 , Mike JonesSpain could once again be missing Victor Munoz, but Lamine Yamal is again set to be included in the starting XI.
There are no further injury issues but De le Fuente may decide to make some changes with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo pushing for starts.
Uruguay's early team news
Friday 26 June 2026 22:20 , Mike JonesUruguay will be without Ronald Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta who are both sidelined by calf injuries.
Otherwise, there are no fresh fitness concerns for the South American team.
Breathtaking Ecuador become World Cup dark horses and expose Germany’s biggest problem
Friday 26 June 2026 22:10 , Jack RathbornEcuador battled, scrapped and clawed their way to this famous World Cup comeback victory over Germany. A deserved 2-1 win to advance to the knockout stage for the second-ever time and ensure redemption for maligned coach Sebastian Beccacece.
They finish third in Group E, in another blow to Scotland’s hopes of becoming one of the eight third-placed teams to advance, with their manager clambering into the stands like he had won Wimbledon in what promises to be a wild New York party.
Breathtaking Ecuador become World Cup dark horses to expose Germany’s biggest problem
De la Fuente on Bielsa
Friday 26 June 2026 22:00 , Mike Jones“For me, I’ve been a big admirer of Marcelo Bielsa. I’ve followed his career. I went to watch the trainings of his teams. He is a really innovative trainer. I admire him deeply,” said the Spain boss.
“I’ve already had an opportunity to spend time with him in Madrid. We spoke about football and about other things as well. I’m an admirer of his. It’s incredible for me to have him as my opponent. It’s a huge honour and joy.”
Pre-match thoughts from Luis de la Fuente
Friday 26 June 2026 21:50 , Mike JonesSpain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente spoke about tonight’s match and what he is expecting.
He said: “Because of the experience that we had against Cape Verde, we were able to succeed against Saudi Arabia, but Uruguay is a different opponent because they have long history and tradition.
“They will demand the best of us. A lot is at stake for us and for them. We will try to prevail.”
The 2026 World Cup has a problem: celebrity-spotting
Friday 26 June 2026 21:40 , Richard JollyBrad Pitt was there. Leonardo DiCaprio too. So were Paris Hilton and Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell and Colin Farrell. Not to mention Scottie Pippen, Lance Bass, Gabrielle Union and Keegan-Michael Key. Although, for those of us who are not entirely sure who they are, perhaps they should go unmentioned.
Maybe a United States game in Los Angeles was always likelier to attract the rich and famous, and they turned out, and then turned up on big screens and televisions. Because part of the problem with this World Cup has been the focus on the famous. Occasionally the football gets in the way of the celeb-spotting.
The 2026 World Cup has a problem: celebrity-spotting
What do Saudi Arabia need to qualify?
Friday 26 June 2026 21:30 , Mike JonesThey have to win. No other result will be good enough. Four points, even with a negative goal difference, should be fine if Uruguay beat Spain and they end up in third place.
What do Cape Verde need to qualify?
Friday 26 June 2026 21:20 , Mike JonesA win against Saudi Arabia seals it, while a point is also likely to be good enough. Defeat, and they’re out.
What do Uruguay need to qualify?
Friday 26 June 2026 21:10 , Mike JonesUruguay need to avoid defeat. A point would put Uruguay on three points, with a level goal difference following three draws, a total that is likely going to be good enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams even if one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia win to go above them.
They would finish second with a draw if there is also not a winner in the game between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay would be out with a defeat, as two points is not enough and at least one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia will surpass the three-point mark.
What does Spain need to qualify from Group H?
Friday 26 June 2026 21:00 , Mike JonesAll four teams in Group H can still advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup as Spain play Uruguay and Cape Verde look to make history against Saudi Arabia.
Tournament favourites Spain clicked into gear as the return Lamine Yamal sparked an impressive 4-0 destruction of Saudi Arabia, with La Roja sitting top of the group on four points.
Spain will top Group H with a win against Uruguay, or with a draw - unless Cape Verde beat Saudi Arabia by four goals. Spain could yet lose out on top spot to Uruguay if they lose to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, while they may even slip down to third place if they lose and Cape Verde win by any score. However, Spain would be certain to go through as one of the best ranked third-place sides. If Spain lose but Saudi Arabia beat Cape Verde, Spain will be second due to head-to-head.
Good evening!
Friday 26 June 2026 18:57 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Group H conclusion as Spain take on Uruguay with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia also going toe-to-toe.
The results of these final group games will have ramifications for Scotland’s position in the tournament and Spain will want to show why they are the favourites to win the title again.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and line-ups throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 1am.
