Spain and Cape Verde advance to the round of 16, Scotland still has hopes in the World Cup
June 27, 2026 · Global
Spain took top spot in Group H after beating Uruguay 1-0, allowing Cape Verde to advance to the knockout stages while Uruguay were eliminated. Scotland's hopes depend on the results of other matches.
Spain managed to reach the top of Group H after beating Uruguay with a score of 1-0 in a fierce match at the Guadalajara Stadium. Uruguay, trying to avoid exiting the group stage for the second time in a row, looked more under pressure at the start of the match, although both teams struggled to score. However, everything changed in the 42nd minute when Spanish midfielder Alex Baena received a perfect cross in the penalty box and managed to finish with just enough touch to direct the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal. Uruguay goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera, appeared to have made an effort to save the shot, but was unable to control the ball which then rolled into the goal. Things got worse for Uruguay three minutes later when Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to be rushed off on a stretcher after colliding with one of his team-mates.
Uruguay needed something new after the break, and coach Marcelo Bielsa hoped to find a solution by replacing Muslera with Sergio Rochet. They appeared aggressive at the start of the second half and this change in attitude resulted in several half-chances, but Uruguay failed to take advantage of these opportunities. Spain almost extended their lead in the 62nd minute when Lamine Yamal penetrated which opened up a golden opportunity for Dani Olmo at the front of the penalty box. Olmo tried to lift the ball over the goalkeeper, but it was too heavy so the ball just fell into the goal net.
Uruguay again took momentum and routinely threatened the Spanish goal late in the match, but goalkeeper Unai Simon was able to overcome all challenges. Spain looked certain to seal victory in the 85th minute when a one-two combination between Ferran Torres and Rochet put Torres face to face with Rochet, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced into the crowd. The last few minutes of the match were marked by yellow cards given to several Uruguayan players who were trying their best to equalize. However, Uruguay paid a heavy price for their aggressiveness, when midfielder Agustin Canobbio received a straight red card early in stoppage time.
Spain managed to close out the match well, while Uruguay's defeat saw Cape Verde make history as the smallest country to ever reach the knockout phase of a World Cup after they drew 0-0 against Saudi Arabia. This result also provides fresh air for Scotland who still depend on the results of other matches to continue their progress in the World Cup. With Scotland having just three points from the group stage and a goal difference of -3, they will be hoping other teams help them through. Uruguay's defeat to Spain leaves them behind Scotland in third place, and Iran will also follow if they lose to Egypt in the final game of Group G. Scotland's fate will be decided on Saturday evening when the final game of the group stage takes place.