Spain tops World Cup Group H, eliminating Uruguay

Spain eliminated Uruguay from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday with a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara, Mexico, as goalkeeper Fernando Muslera's error proved decisive for the second consecutive match. The result sent Cape Verde into the Round of 32 in their first-ever World Cup appearance, completing one of the tournament's most remarkable storylines.

Muslera's Mistake Seals Uruguay's Fate

Álex Baena scored the only goal in the 42nd minute after Muslera failed to handle his shot, fumbling the ball into his own net. It was the second straight match in which the 39-year-old goalkeeper committed a costly error — he was also at fault during Uruguay's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde on June 21, when his blunder allowed the debutants to equalize. Coach Marcelo Bielsa pulled Muslera at halftime on Friday.ctpost+5

Spain finished atop Group H with seven points, having drawn 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opener before beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 and then dispatching Uruguay. Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, ended the group stage with just two points from three draws-turned-losses and head home without a win.sports.yahoo+2

Cape Verde's Historic Run Continues

In the simultaneous match, Cape Verde secured a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia to finish second in Group H and advance to the knockout rounds. The island nation of fewer than 600,000 people became the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup's elimination stage, according to The Athletic.france24+3

Cape Verde entered the tournament as one of four debutants and went unbeaten through the group stage — drawing with Spain, drawing 2-2 with Uruguay, and holding Saudi Arabia. Their advancement echoes the spirit of Senegal's run in 2002, when that West African nation also remained unbeaten in their first two World Cup matches.bbc+1

What Comes Next

Spain will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the Round of 32, which begins June 28 and runs through July 3. Cape Verde will also await their knockout-round assignment as the bracket takes shape following the conclusion of group play on June 27.britannica

For Uruguay, the elimination marks a painful end to a turbulent campaign under Bielsa, with Muslera's errors bookending a tournament that never gained momentum for La Celeste.bastillepost+1