AAP Soccer

Spain send divided two-time world champions packing

By AAP Newswire

Jun 27, 2026

Rodrigo Bentancur. — Uruguay have suffered an early exit from the World Cup, sunk by Spain in their last group game. -AP

Spain have defeated Uruguay 1-0 after another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup and eliminate the South American powerhouse.

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Two-time champions Uruguay will go home without any victories in their three Group H games. Spain, the European champions, won the group with seven points and will face the second-placed team from Group J — either Austria or Algeria — on Thursday in Inglewood, California.

Alex Baena scored in the 42nd minute on on Friday (Saturday AEST) after Muslera couldn't fully swat away his shot from inside the area. It was the third blunder of the tournament by the 40-year-old Muslera, who was pulled at halftime by coach Marcelo Bielsa.

At 19th in the FIFA rankings, Uruguay are the highest-ranked team to be eliminated so far.

Cape Verde, who drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in the other group game, finished second with three points, one more than both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay finished third but without enough points to be among the best eight third-placed teams that will advance.

The match was one of the most anticipated of the group stage, but it featured few significant scoring chances by either team.

Uruguay players loudly advocated for a penalty in the final minutes after Federico Vinas went down inside the area.

There was some tension near the end. Uruguay's Agustin Canobbio was sent off in added time for a tackle on Spain defender Paul Cubarsi.

Uruguay, World Cup winners in 1930 and 1950, came into the final group match in turmoil after draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. Uruguayan media said there were reports of players not being happy with veteran Argentine coach Bielsa.

Spain, seeking their second World Cup title, opened with a shocking 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but were coming off a 4-0 win over the Saudis. La Roja haven't made it past the round of 16 since winning their lone title in 2010.

Spain striker Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament nursing a left hamstring injury, had a lackluster outing and was replaced by Ferran Torres in the 76th minute. The 18-year-old Yamal was replaced at halftime against Saudi Arabia and came off the bench in the second half against Cape Verde.

King Felipe VI of Spain was among the crowd of 45,065 at Estadio Akron.

A moment of silence was observed before the match in memory of those who died when back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday.