Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 in the group stage, Group H of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The match took place at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara as part of the World Cup 2026 group stage, Group H. Both teams arrived eager to collect early points, and the atmosphere was electric under the Mexican sky.

How it unfolded

The decisive moment arrived in the 42nd minute when Álex Baena, operating for Spain, opened the scoring. Receiving a cross from Marcos Llorente, Baena struck with his right foot from the centre of the box, sending the ball to the bottom left corner and putting Spain ahead 1-0.

Just four minutes later, Baena received a yellow card for a bad foul, a reminder that his involvement would be closely monitored for the remainder of the game.

Uruguay’s response began with a booking for Juan Manuel Sanabria in the 54th minute, also for a bad foul, as the home side sought to regain composure. Four minutes after that, Guillermo Varela was shown a yellow card, further adding to Uruguay’s disciplinary tally.

In the added time of the second half, Nicolás de la Cruz was booked in the 90'+3 minute for a bad foul, a final caution before the match concluded.

The match ended with a further disciplinary incident: Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card in the 90'+5 minute, meaning Uruguay finished the game with ten men on the field. Despite playing a man down in the closing moments, the scoreline remained unchanged, securing the win for Spain.

Standout performers

  • Álex Baena (Spain) – scored the only goal of the match in the 42nd minute, demonstrating clinical finishing from inside the box.
  • Marcos Llorente (Spain) – provided the decisive cross that set up Baena’s strike, contributing the key assist that broke the deadlock.

Match facts

  • Final score: Uruguay 0-1 Spain
  • Scorer: Álex Baena (42') – assisted by Marcos Llorente
  • Yellow cards:
    • Álex Baena (Spain, 46') – for a bad foul
    • Juan Manuel Sanabria (Uruguay, 54') – for a bad foul
    • Guillermo Varela (Uruguay, 58') – booked
    • Nicolás de la Cruz (Uruguay, 90'+3') – for a bad foul
  • Sending-off: Agustín Canobbio (Uruguay, 90'+5') – straight red
  • Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

What it means

The 1-0 win gives Spain three points from their Group H encounter, while Uruguay return to the group table with a loss. Both sides will look to improve their positions in the remaining group matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.