Uruguay must beat Spain in their final group game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup early Saturday morning to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
The two-time winners are second in Group H with two points after being held to successive draws in their opening fixtures. Their last match resulted in a thrilling 2-2 draw against debutants Cape Verde.
Spain are leading the standings with four points after a convincing 4-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in their last match. The 2010 World Cup winners will need to avoid defeat to finish top of Group H.
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Spain have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and appear to be growing stronger with each game. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scored his first ever World Cup goal in the win against the Saudis.
The last time Uruguay failed to make it past the group stage was in 2002 and the whole nation is counting on them to make it here. Can they bounce back and beat favorites Spain, or will Luis de la Fuente’s side make it consecutive wins here?
We have a look at both teams ahead of kickoff and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Uruguay vs Spain start?
The match kicks off at 3AM E.A.T at Estadio Akron
Uruguay vs Spain team news
Attacking midfielders Maximilliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio were both on target in their last game and are both set to retain their spots in the starting XI.
Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur have been instrumental in midfield; they too will start as well as Federico Vinas up front.
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There are no changes expected from the starting lineup, with veteran Fernando Muslera in goal.
The Spanish side is set to make a couple of changes to the XI that started against Saudi Arabia. Yamal is set to get his second start of the campaign, with Ferran Torres set to start for the first time as well.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored a brace in the 4-0 win and he will start, with Dani Olmo and Yeremy Pino settling for a place on the bench.
Those are the only two changes expected from the starting lineup.
Uruguay vs Spain head-to-head and current form
Uruguay are desperate for a win after drawing four successive games leading up this game.
They have now gone six games without victory, with their last win coming in a 2-1 friendly win against Uzbekistan in October 2025.
They face a Spain side who are unbeaten in 12 matches, though they have only won two of their last five fixtures.
Spain have won four of the last matches they have played against Uruguay and shared the spoils in another. The last time these sides met was in 2013, with Spain emerging 2-1 winners.
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Current form:
Uruguay – DDDDL
Spain – WDWDD
Uruguay vs Spain previous games
- Spain 2-1 Uruguay (June 17, 2013)
- Spain 3-1 Uruguay (February 6, 2013)
- Spain 2-0 Uruguay (August 17, 2005)
- Spain 2-2 Uruguay (January 18, 1995)
- Spain 2-1 Uruguay (September 4, 1991)
Uruguay vs Spain prediction
Spain have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and they will be a hard nut to crack for Uruguay.
Their dominant display against Saudi Arabia showcased the technical superiority and attacking fluidity that make them one of the favourites for the trophy.
Prediction – Spain to win
