Preview: Uruguay vs Spain prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Two former world champions lock horns in Mexico as top honours of Group H are at stake

Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron) in Jalisco, Mexico, gears up to host the final Matchweek fixtures in Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where two-time world champions Uruguay and reigning European champions Spain lock horns in a thrilling contest.

Group H has a lot of permutations and combinations for the final matchweek as all four teams are alive in the knockout race and no team have qualified yet for the knockouts. Spain and Uruguay faced each other in a top-of-the-table clash, whereas Saudi Arabia lock horns with debutants Cape Verde in the other game.

The Sky Blues have had a terrible outing in the last two games. The 16th best-ranked nation in the world failed to clinch all three points against lower-ranked sides like Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde after both their games ended in a frustrating draw.

However, Biesla’s side can still go on as high as the table toppers by simply winning the next game and only if Cape Verde does not win big against Saudi Arabia. The South American giants, however, never won a game against La Roja and are winless in their last six games.

Talking about Spain, a win is mandatory to cement their place at the top. Even a draw would suffice, but they will have to then rely on the other game to find out their final standings. Spain are the favourites to top Group H after a statement win over Saudi Arabia in the last game, following a goalless draw against Cape Verde.

However, La Roja are in a precarious situation. A defeat in the next game would see them slipping down to the second spot, and that would be nothing less than a nightmare. The team finishing second in Group H has to lock horns with world champions Argentina in the Round of 32.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
• Stadium: Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron)
• Date: Friday, June 26
• Kick-off time: 1 a.m. BST, 6 p.m. local CST [5:30 a.m. IST, Saturday, June 27]
• Referee: Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh (Jordan)
• VAR: In use

Form:

Uruguay (in all competitions): D-D-D-D-L

Spain (in all competitions): W-D-W-D-D

Players to Watch

Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)

The midfielder from Nueva Helvecia has turned 29 just a few hours ago. One of the most decorated players in the Uruguayan team, silverwares follow Bentacur. He has been Uruguay’s top performer in the last two games and has been a formidable presence in the midfield for the Sky Blues.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has shown signs of greatness from an early age, when he won the CONMEBOL U20 Championship. He will be up against the creative minds of Pedri and Dani Olmo against Spain and his aggressive interception mapping will be key.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Even if Yamal is not fully fit to play for ninety minutes in the next game, he will most likely start. De La Fuente put Yamal in the starting lineup, and it took the kid from Rocafonda just 10 minutes to find the back of the net. The Euro 2024 Starkid would be keen to get the ball rolling for Spain and clinch the top spot.

From baiting full-backs to making an inward cut, he is a beast and an uncontrollable force in the wings. He will be up against former Atletico Madrid full-back Sanabria in the wings. The only concern is his fitness, and Uruguay also has quality defenders, who would not go easy on Lamine Yamal.

Match Facts

• Uruguay have never won a game against Spain in any competition.
• These two sides met twice at the World Cup in 1950 and 1990 and both games ended in draw.
• Pedro of Spain is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Uruguay vs Spain: Betting Tips and Odds

• Uruguay to win – 11/2 with Betfred
• Fede Valverde to score – 11/2 with Betfred
• Uruguay vs Spain – 16/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Ronald Araujo and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, as expected are set to miss the next game too due to injury. Darwin Nunez may be preferred over Vinas in the next game.

Lamine Yamal’s full ninety-minute fitness remains a concern, but he will surely start after that win over Saudi. Nico Williams can also be expected to make his first start against Uruguay.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 10

Uruguay won: 00

Spain won: 05

Matches drawn: 05

Predicted Lineups

Uruguay predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Fernando Muslera (GK); Guillermo Varela, José María Giménez, Martín Cáceres, Mathías Olivera; Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte, Federico Valverde; Agustín Canobbio, Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo

Spain predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Unai Simón (GK); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.

Match Prediction

Well, there are so many upsets already in the World Cup and any team can beat anyone on their day. Uruguay have been underwhelming so far. But given their hunger and urgency to win, we expect Biesla’s men to go and win it all against Spain.

Prediction: Uruguay 2-1 Spain

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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