27/06/2026 22:39 - Deportes
Uruguay experienced a bitter night on June 26, 2026. The national team, known as "La Celeste" (The Sky Blue), was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing 1-0 to Spain at the Guadalajara stadium, closing their participation in Group H with a devastating record: 2 points, 0 victories, and a negative goal difference.
The Spanish goal came at the 41st minute of the first half, when Álex Baena capitalized on a glaring error by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera during a buildup. The veteran goalkeeper, who was having a difficult performance, asked not to come out for the second half and was replaced by Sergio Rochet at halftime, a decision made by the player himself according to the coach after the match.
| Match | Uruguay 0-1 Spain |
| Date | 06/26/2026 |
| Venue | Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Goal | Álex Baena 41' (1st Half) |
| Points | 2 (0 wins) |
| Group H Position | 3rd of 4 teams |
| Red Card | Canobbio |
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 7 | +4 |
| Cape Verde | 3 | 0 |
| Uruguay | 2 | -1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1 | -3 |
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa, the legendary Argentine manager known for his intense playing style and tactical innovation, took responsibility for the failure: "We obtained 2 points out of the 7 we projected," he acknowledged in the press conference. The Rosario native mentioned that the team did not meet the stated objectives and that the elimination hurts because expectations were much higher.
Most concerning for Uruguayan fans is that this is the second consecutive group stage elimination under Bielsa's management. The coach took over in May 2023 with the goal of reversing the poor performance from Qatar 2022, but the result was equally disappointing.
The question on everyone's mind in Uruguay is whether Bielsa will continue leading the national team. His contract, which made headlines for the million-dollar salary he receives, is now under scrutiny. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) will need to evaluate whether the Rosario coach's project should continue or if it's time for a change of direction.
Muslera publicly apologized after the match, acknowledging he didn't have a good World Cup and taking responsibility for the error that defined the match against Spain.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde, the team no one expected to advance, claimed second place in Group H with 3 points and will face Argentina in the Round of 16 on July 3, 2026 at 19:00 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Spain, group leaders, will play their knockout match as corresponding to their first-place finish.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
