Referee Ismail Elfath (C) gestures after showing a yellow card during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Alex Baena's first-half goal sent Uruguay crashing out of the World Cup as Spain won 1-0 on Friday to finish top of Group H.
Spain took the lead just before halftime at Guadalajara Stadium when Baena's shot slipped through the gloves of Fernando Muslera and rolled into the back of the net.
The result meant Spain finished the group stage with seven points, four ahead of second-placed Cabo Verde. Uruguay was third with two points.
The reigning European champion will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the round of 32 in Los Angeles on July 2.
A minute's silence for the victims of Venezuela's earthquake preceded kickoff before Spain quickly settled into its familiar rhythm, dominating possession and forcing Uruguay onto the back foot.
Lamine Yamal caused early problems as Spain won a corner following a misplaced back pass. Uruguay's first opportunity came from a free kick that Unai Simon spilled before his teammates cleared.
Pedri and Martin Zubimendi dictated the tempo while Uruguay defended deep and looked to release Darwin Nunez on the counterattack.
Marcelo Bielsa's side improved after the hydration break as Maximiliano Araujo drove forward with greater purpose and Rodrigo Bentancur fired narrowly over.
Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, controlling Marcos Llorente's cross before turning and firing low into the net.
Bielsa replaced Muslera with Sergio Rochet at the break and Uruguay pressed higher after the restart. Nicolas de la Cruz offered greater creativity, but Spain remained comfortable at the back.
Uruguay threatened late as Mathias Olivera forced Simon into a save at his near post before De la Cruz tested the goalkeeper with a dipping drive from distance. Ferran Torres then struck the crossbar after finding space inside the area.
Uruguay's frustrations spilled over in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was sent off for a high challenge on Nico Williams. ■
Alex Baena (No. 15) of Spain celebrates his goal during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Referee Ismail Elfath (C) gestures after showing a yellow card during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Fernando Muslera (C), goalkeeper of Uruguay, save the ball during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
Sebastian Caceres (2nd L) of Uruguay reacts after the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Lamine Yamal (C) of Spain vies with Juan Manuel Sanabria (R) and Nicolas de la Cruz of Uruguay during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Lamine Yamal (R) of Spain vies with Mathias Olivera of Uruguay during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
Nico Williams (L) of Spain vies with Guillermo Varela of Uruguay during the group H match between Uruguay and Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, June 26, 2026. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)
