Spain and Uruguay face off in the 2026 World Cup on Saturday at 1am (UK time) with both sides looking to seal their spots in the knockout stages.
Spain come into this game in the much better position. They need a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stages, while a win would seal top spot. The defending European champions had a wobbly start to the World Cup, drawing with debutants Cape Verde. But they bounced back in emphatic fashion thanks to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. It would take a big shock for Spain to not make it to the knockout stages, and they’re being back to finish top.
Uruguay, meanwhile, are in a precarious position. Although they sit second in the group after two games, they are in serious danger of being knocked out. The two-time world champions are still searching for their first win at this summer’s tournament, with draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. They’re above Cape Verde on goals scored right now, but know only a win will secure their spot in the knockout stages. Should Uruguay draw, they’ll also need Cape Verde to draw with Saudi Arabia, while scoring fewer goals.
This will be the 11th meeting between these two sides, and Spain are still unbeaten. They’ve won five of the 10 games so far, alongside five draws. Both games at World Cups have finished level.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Uruguay vs Spain team news
Uruguay team news
Marcelo Bielsa made the bold call to drop Darwin Nunez from his starting lineup last time out, after struggling in their opening. Although he didn’t score, Federico Vinas has been the bigger threat as a striker and he could continue to lead the line. He’ll be flanked by Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, both of whom shone despite the draw against Cape Verde.
With that attacking trio, Federico Valverde will continue in a more central role alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Manuel Ugarte. Valverde had started Uruguay’s first game on the right wing as Bielsa utilised a 4-4-2, but was much more impact in his favoured central midfield spot.
Bielsa may be tempted to look at his defence, after their two goals conceded against Cape Verde. He replaced Matias Vina with Juan Manuel Sanabria at half-time in the first game and kept with the latter for the match against Cape Verde. But Mathias Olivera could be pushed over to left-back, to allow Jose Maria Gimenez to get his first minutes of the tournament. Gimenez might bring the stability Uruguay need alongside Sebastian Caceres, with Ronald Araujo still out injured.
So he’s likely to keep his spot. But Bielsa does have Jose Maria Gimenez on the bench, yet to be used at the tournament. He could come in for his first match, with Mathias
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Spain team news
Lamine Yamal was a welcome returnee to Spain’s starting lineup against Saudi Arabia last time out. And he’ll no doubt start this game, having overcome his injury issues. This match was always earmarked as one for the teenager to start. It could also see Nico Williams get his first start, after his only injury problems. Alex Baena would be the one to drop to the bench, with Mikel Oyarzabal playing through the middle.
There’s a question of the midfield trio. Dani Olmo replaced Fabian Ruiz for the win over Saudi Arabia and looked good. But Luis de la Fuente may bring Ruiz back into the trio to help Spain gain more control of a tougher match. Rodri and Pedri are likely to keep their spots, with rotation coming later in the match if Spain are in control.
The strength of the opposition could also see a change in defence. Marcos Llorente started against Cape Verde, with Pedro Porro coming in to face Saudi Arabia. Again, Porro looked good, but Llorente could return to the right-back role for added security. The rest of the defence should, however, remain unchanged. That will mean Unai Simon continues in goal, with Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella all playing.
Uruguay vs Spain predicted lineups
Uruguay (4-3-3): Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Gimenez, Olivera; Bentancur, Ugarte, Valverde; Canobbio, Vinas, Araujo.
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Read more: