Spain Wins 1-0 over Uruguay and Advances to the Round of 32 of the World Cup
June 28, 2026 · Global
Spain managed to beat Uruguay with a score of 1-0, eliminating Uruguay from the World Cup and ensuring they advanced to the last 32 as group H winners.
Spain managed to achieve a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup group stage match, while simultaneously removing the South American team from the tournament. This victory ensured that Spain advanced to the last 32 as group H winners.
In a closely fought match, Spain were almost certain to progress before kickoff, but Alex Baena's goal in the 42nd minute ensured they finished at the top of the group. Uruguay, under coach Marcelo Bielsa, had a bad night after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a mistake which led to Spain's first goal. Muslera was replaced by Sergio Rochet in the second half after his fatal error.
Uruguay, who needed a win to ensure qualification, instead had to swallow the bitter pill with Agustin Canobbio receiving a red card at the end of extra time. The South American team ended this year's World Cup with just two points from three matches, marking their exit from the group phase for the second time in a row.
Spain's goal came after they survived Uruguay's pressure. Baena, who managed the ball well, fired a low shot that Muslera couldn't reach even though the 40-year-old goalkeeper had touched the ball. Uruguay felt aggrieved because no foul was recognized in the process of the goal, where Manuel Ugarte fell after a challenge that was deemed harmless.
The opportunity for Uruguay to equalize came after they tried to press in the remaining time, but none of their shots managed to test the Spanish goalkeeper, Unai Simon. Former Liverpool striker, Darwin Nunez, who was again relied on as a starter, failed to take advantage of two golden opportunities within two minutes after the drinks break.
With this win, Spain made it two wins in a row at the World Cup after previously beating Saudi Arabia 4-0, although they only registered six shots in this match, with one of them on target. Spain will next face Austria or Algeria in the round of 32 which will take place at Los Angeles Stadium on July 2. The two teams will compete on June 28 to determine who has the right to advance as runner-up in Group J.