FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Spain: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction and More

Published 26 June 2026 · sports

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Spain: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction and More Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 13:53 IST Spain look

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Spain: Predicted Lineups, Team News, Prediction and More Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 13:53 IST Spain look to wrap up top spot in Group H, while Uruguay face a must-win showdown to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Here's the team news, predicted lineups and prediction. Rapid Read (Credit: AP) A heavyweight clash closes out Group H as Spain take on Uruguay at Estadio Akron in Zapopan on Friday, with plenty still riding on the final group-stage fixture. Spain are on the verge of sealing top spot after recovering from a frustrating goalless draw in their opener with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Luis de la Fuente’s side now lead the group and need a win to guarantee first place. A draw should also be enough unless Cabo Verde produce an unlikely high-scoring victory over Saudi Arabia in the other Group H fixture.

For Uruguay, the equation is much simpler—and far more demanding. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have drawn both of their matches against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde, leaving them on the brink of elimination. Victory over Spain would secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32, while a draw could still be enough to progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, depending on results elsewhere. History, however, favours La Roja. Spain have never lost to Uruguay in 10 previous meetings since their first World Cup encounter in 1950, winning five and drawing the other five. If La Celeste are to keep their World Cup hopes alive, they will have to rewrite the history books. Team News Uruguay are expected to stick with an experienced core despite a disappointing start to the tournament. Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur will anchor midfield, while Darwin Núñez will once again lead the attack as Uruguay search for their first win of the competition.

Spain, meanwhile, look close to full strength after Lamine Yamal’s return transformed their attack against Saudi Arabia. The teenage sensation is expected to start alongside Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, with Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo controlling proceedings in midfield. Uruguay predicted XI (4-3-3) Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Giménez, Sanabria; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur; Canobbio, Núñez, M. Araújo. Spain predicted XI (4-3-3) Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Pedri; Williams, Oyarzabal, Yamal. Match Prediction Uruguay have yet to hit top gear in this World Cup, with inconsistent performances and questions surrounding the team’s cohesion threatening to derail their campaign. Spain, on the other hand, appear to be building momentum at exactly the right time, with their young attacking stars beginning to click. Expect Uruguay to compete fiercely, but Spain’s superior quality, fluid attack and greater confidence should prove decisive as they seal first place in Group H.