Spain national football team secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Uruguay national football team 1-0 in their final Group H match.
Spain claimed all three points thanks to a first-half strike from Marcos Llorente, who scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute. The midfielder capitalized on Spain’s attacking pressure to break the deadlock before halftime, giving his side an advantage they successfully defended until the final whistle.
Uruguay pushed for an equalizer in the second half but were unable to break through Spain’s disciplined defensive setup. Despite creating several attacking opportunities, the South American side failed to convert its chances, allowing Spain to preserve its narrow lead.
In the other Group H fixture, Saudi Arabia national football team and Cape Verde national football team played out a goalless draw. Neither team managed to find the net during regulation time, leaving the match to finish 0-0.
The results confirmed Spain and Cape Verde as the two teams progressing from Group H to the knockout rounds. Spain finished at the top of the standings with seven points after an unbeaten group-stage campaign.
Cape Verde advanced as the group runners-up with three points, securing qualification despite failing to win their final match. Uruguay ended its campaign in third place with two points, narrowly missing out on a place in the last 16.
Saudi Arabia also concluded the group stage with two points but finished at the bottom of the table due to the tournament’s tie-breaking criteria.
Spain will now turn its attention to the knockout phase, where it will aim to continue its unbeaten run and strengthen its bid for another FIFA World Cup title.