Uruguay v Spain: World Cup 2026 – live
Key events
Preamble
This World Cup has suffered a little from its expanded format – there have been few heavyweight clashes but I guess two former champions battling for first place in the group counts. Here’s what’s at stake tonight in Guadalajara (and the rest of Group G):
Spain will guarantee qualification with a draw or win against Uruguay.
Uruguay need to beat Spain to absolutely guarantee qualification. A draw will almost certainly be good enough to see them through too.
Tom will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s your initial briefing on this matchup, courtesy of Graham Ruthven’s daily watch guide:
What to watch for
Uruguay haven’t played much like a Bielsa team at this World Cup so far. The 1930 and 1950 winners have struggled for creativity and have been one-dimensional in the final third in draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. To make the knockout rounds, Uruguay must show more variety.
Spain bounced back from their underwhelming opener against Cape Verde to put four past Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal’s return gave the European champions a much-needed direct threat, which opened up space and restored faith that Spain will be as strong as was predicted before the start of the tournament.
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal, Spain – The 18-year-old is Spain’s biggest difference-maker and the player who makes everything click for them in the final third. Without him, they simply don’t have the necessary invention.
