World Cup 2026: Spain top Group H, Cape Verde reach knockout stage for first time
Spain secured first place in Group H with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, while Cape Verde's 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia earned them second spot and a historic knockout round berth.
Uruguay's World Cup journey ended in the group stage after a goalkeeping error by Fernando Muslera handed Spain a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara. Alex Baena's weak shot slipped through Muslera's grasp, giving Spain the only goal of the match. The European champions avoided a last-32 clash with Argentina and will instead face Austria or Algeria in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Meanwhile, debutants Cape Verde secured a spot in the knockout round with a third consecutive draw at the World Cup. After holding 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 stalemate and coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uruguay, Cape Verde drew 0-0 against Saudi Arabia on Friday night. The small island nation off West Africa becomes the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. They will face defending champion Argentina in Miami on July 3, with Lionel Messi leading the charge.
Two-time champions Uruguay became the highest-ranked team to exit in the group phase. Spain, yet to concede a goal in the tournament, remain unbeaten in 34 competitive matches but have failed to impress. Reports emerged of a player revolt in the Uruguay camp, with stars like Real Madrid's Federico Valverde clashing with coach Marcelo Bielsa over tactics after draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
