Image: from The Japan News X @The_Japan_News
By Open Chronicle
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, June 26, 2026, Spain secured first place in Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Uruguay 1,0 on Friday, a result that eliminated the South American side and extended La Roja’s impressive unbeaten run in official competition.
Álex Baena scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, capitalizing on a costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to send Spain into the Round of 32 as group winners with seven points.
Spain will now face the runner-up from Group J, either Austria or Algeria, in Los Angeles on July 2.
🚨 Muslera's huge mistake that led to Baena's goal in Uruguay vs Spain. pic.twitter.com/mB0NArSWjA
— Sports on Predict (@predictdotsport) June 27, 2026
Muslera’s error proves decisive
The decisive moment came just before halftime when Muslera failed to deal with a routine effort, allowing Baena to convert and hand Spain the lead.
The mistake overshadowed what had been a milestone appearance for the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who wore FIFA’s Legacy Patch in recognition of competing in his fifth FIFA World Cup.
Muslera, who had not featured during Uruguay’s qualifying campaign, was selected by head coach Marcelo Bielsa for the crucial group stage finale but was replaced by Sergio Rochet at halftime following the costly error.
Spain continues its remarkable unbeaten run
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak in official matches to 34 games under head coach Luis de la Fuente.
The European champions controlled much of the contest and managed the second half effectively to secure top spot in Group H.
Their reward is a Round of 32 meeting with the second-placed team from Group J, with Austria and Algeria still battling for qualification.
Uruguay’s disappointing exit
Uruguay finished the tournament with just two points and was eliminated in the group stage.
The result also marked Marcelo Bielsa’s second group stage World Cup elimination as a national team coach, the first having come with Argentina at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Adding to Uruguay’s disappointment, supporters inside the stadium began chanting “Cape Verde, Cape Verde” during the closing minutes, acknowledging the African nation’s remarkable qualification at Uruguay’s expense.
Cape Verde writes history
Elsewhere in Group H, Cape Verde completed one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by drawing 0,0 with Saudi Arabia to finish second behind Spain.
The World Cup debutants advanced unbeaten from the group stage and will now face defending world champions Argentina in Miami in the Round of 32.
Senegal keeps hopes alive
In the other significant development involving teams from the group’s qualification picture, Senegal defeated Iraq 5,0 in Toronto to keep alive its hopes of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Having entered the final match needing victory after defeats to France and Norway, Senegal significantly improved its goal difference but must now wait for results elsewhere to determine whether it progresses.
Iraq, appearing in its first FIFA World Cup in four decades, ended its campaign without collecting a point.