Spain secured first place in Group H with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The result also opened the door for Cape Verde to make history by reaching the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.
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Cape Verde advanced after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston, finishing second in the group. They will face Argentina in the next round.
The match between Spain and Uruguay turned physical in the second half. Uruguay committed frequent fouls to disrupt Spain's rhythm.
Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card in stoppage time for a dangerous tackle on Cubarsí.
Nicolás de la Cruz and Sanabria also received yellow cards for aggressive challenges.
Internal tensions surfaced within the Uruguayan squad when manager Marcelo Bielsa substituted captain Federico Valverde in the 57th minute.
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The Real Madrid midfielder walked off slowly and ignored his manager, highlighting reported friction between Bielsa and key players.
Spain made tactical changes before kickoff, bringing Marcos Llorente back into the starting lineup and giving midfielder Mikel Merino his first start of the tournament.
Uruguay started Fernando Muslera in goal despite recent criticism, but Bielsa replaced him with Sergio Rochet at halftime.
Forward Darwin Núñez also returned to the starting eleven.
Cape Verde held onto second place by keeping Saudi Arabia scoreless, despite late pressure and close chances from substitute Laros Duarte.
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The African nation's historic achievement sets up a knockout match against Argentina.
