Group H reaches a scintillating conclusion as past champions Uruguay and Spain lock horns in Guadalajara.
Group H
Saturday, 27 June | Guadalajara Stadium
Kick-off time
08:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Two teams that have serious intentions of lifting the trophy in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ meet in this Group H finale in Guadalajara. Two-time World Cup champions Uruguay are guided by veteran coach and mastermind Marcelo Bielsa, who will be out to thwart a dangerous Spanish attack. La Roja last tasted World Cup glory at South Africa 2010 and now a new generation of players who already pocketed top European honours in 2024 have their sights set on the country’s second title from the global finals.
It has been a frustrating start for the Celeste, as they have been held to draws in their first two contests, a 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 against Cabo Verde. But a victory against Spain would be a spark. As for Luis de la Fuente’s squad, the rebounded nicely from a 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde with an emphatic 4-0 romp over Saudi Arabia. There are many different scenarios in which each team can secure progress to the next round, but what is certain is that full points for either would get the job done.
The winner of Group H will meet the runner-up from Group J at Los Angeles Stadium on 2 July, while the runner-up from Group H will clash with the winner of Group J at Miami Stadium on 3 July. The third-place team from Group H could potentially face the winner of Group A, G, I, or L.
Uruguay possible starting XI
Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Valverde, Bentancur, Ugarte, Canobbio; Vinas, Araujo
Spain possible starting XI
Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
What they said…
“Because of the experience that we had against Cape Verde, we were able to succeed against Saudi Arabia, but Uruguay is a different opponent because they have long history and tradition. They will demand the best of us. A lot is at stake for us and for them. We will try to prevail. For me, I’ve been a big admirer of Marcelo Bielsa. I’ve followed his career. I went to watch the trainings of his teams. He is a really innovative trainer. I admire him deeply. I’ve already had an opportunity to spend time with him in Madrid. We spoke about football and about other things as well. I’m an admirer of his. It’s incredible for me to have him as my opponent. It’s a huge honour and joy.” Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach
Guadalajara Stadium
Built on raised ground and with a spherical, coliseum-like design, Guadalajara Stadium is certainly one of the more eye-catching venues set to hold matches at the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Inaugurated in 2010, the stadium is home during the regular season to C.D. Guadalajara, who have enjoyed their fair share of success there. The men’s team secured their historic double title campaign, league and cup of the Clausura 2017 tournament, and the 2018 Concacaf Champions League victory, while the two titles of the women’s team in 2017 and 2022 add to the trophy haul. Guadalajara Stadium was one of the main venues for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2011 and hosted the Pan-American Games the same year.