27/06/2026 13:30 - Deportes
The Spanish National Team secured their passage to the Round of 16 of the World Cup 2026 after defeating Uruguay 1-0 at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The decisive goal came at the 41st minute of the first half thanks to Álex Baena, who capitalized on a crucial error by Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
The match, corresponding to the third round of Group H, left Spain at the top with 7 points, the result of two victories and one draw. Meanwhile, Uruguay finished their campaign with only 2 points and no victories, being eliminated in the group stage for the second consecutive time under the technical direction of Marcelo Bielsa, the renowned Argentine coach known for his intense tactical approach.
| Team | Points | GD | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 7 | +5 | Qualified |
| Cape Verde | 3 | 0 | Qualified |
| Uruguay | 2 | -1 | Eliminated |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | -4 | Eliminated |
With this victory, Spain consolidates as one of the tournament favorites and now awaits their opponent in the Round of 16. The World Cup 2026 format allows for the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams to advance.
Spain's debut in the knockout phase is scheduled for the coming days, where they will seek to continue their positive streak and advance toward the quarterfinals. The Iberian selection showed defensive solidity and attacking precision, attributes that position them as one of the favorites to contend for the title.
The World Cup 2026 is being held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with an expanded format of 48 teams. Argentina, Spain, Brazil, and France are among the national teams that have already secured their presence in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Uruguay adds their second consecutive group stage elimination under Bielsa, creating uncertainty about the future of the Argentine manager at the helm of La Celeste (the Uruguayan national team's nickname).
Alfredo S. Quiroga
