Video: Spain beat Uruguay…and a potentially fiery showdown with Algeria

Spain qualified for the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought victory over Uruguay in the final group stage at Mexico’s Guadalajara Stadium on Friday night to top La Roja in their group and crash out of the Uruguay tournament.

The only goal of the match came in the 41st minute from Alex Baena, who, after receiving the ball back from midfield, took advantage of Marcos Llorente’s cross and headed it past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who made a fatal handling error before being replaced by his partner Sergio Rocher in the second half.

The match was characterized by intensity and violence, and saw strong tackles and tussles between players that resulted in two mutual dismissals, while Spain kept their defensive balance thanks to the brilliant pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Kobarch, finishing the group stage without conceding a single goal.

With this victory, the Spanish team led its group with 9 points, setting the day of the next round with the winner of the Austria-Algeria game, the result of which was scheduled for Sunday morning, and the match will take place in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 2, at nine o’clock in the evening.

Uruguay’s exit deepened its internal crisis, given the strained relationship between the players and Bielsa’s coaching staff.