Uruguay
World CupWhy this tip?
Uruguay and Spain currently hold onto the top two spots of Group H, separated by just two points heading into their final group game. However, Spain is the better team on paper and should beat their South American counterparts. We are expecting an end-to-end match, with Spain dominating possession and keeping Uruguay at bay. We predict that La Roja will win 3 – 1 against La Celeste.
Match Preview
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Matchday: Matchday 3
- Date: 27 June 2026
- Kick-off time: 18:00 Mexico (02:00 SA)
- Venue: Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron)
Match details
Uruguay and Spain close out Group H in Game 64 of Matchday 3 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron) in Zapopan, Mexico. The match is set to commence at 18:00 (GMT-6) in Zapopan, Mexico and 02:00 (GMT+2) in South Africa. Spain were the favourites heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and if you want to see our outright picks for the World Cup, you can check out our World Cup Outright Tips page.
Why this match matters
Uruguay and Spain enter this fixture knowing that the top spot of Group H is still up for grabs, with the winner sealing their spot as group winners. Spain are huge favourites to win the World Cup and will be eager to continue their goalscoring form after firing four past Saudi Arabia. Uruguay sit second, two points behind Spain and will be looking to finally get their first win over the Spanish side, top their group and secure one of the top 4 knockout seeds.
Uruguay vs Spain head-to-head stats
Head-to-head record
Uruguay and Spain have met quite often in men’s senior international football. Both teams have encountered each other seven times, with the last fixture occurring over a decade ago. Spain are yet to taste defeat against Uruguay and lead the head-to-head record (4 – 3 – 0), and will be looking to add another win to their belt. In their seven meetings, Spain has scored 13 times, while Uruguay managed to score 7 times, with their last five matches concluding:
- 17/06/2013 (FIFA Confederations Cup): Spain 2 – 1 Uruguay
- 06/02/2013 (Friendly International): Spain 3 – 1 Uruguay
- 17/08/2005 (Friendly International): Spain 2 – 0 Uruguay
- 18/01/1995 (Friendly International): Spain 2 – 2 Uruguay
- 04/09/1991 (Friendly International): Spain 2 – 1 Uruguay
Uruguay’s recent form
Uruguay’s last five matches: LDDDD–
Uruguay arrives at their final group game in poor form, having drawn four and lost one of their last five outings. Their previous five International outings include:
- 22/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup 2026): Uruguay 2 – 2 Cabo Verde
- 16/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup 2026): Saudi Arabia 1 – 1 Uruguay
- 31/03/2026 (Friendly International): Algeria 0 – 0 Uruguay
- 27/03/2026 (Friendly International): England 1 – 1 Uruguay
- 19/11/2025 (Friendly International): USA 5 – 1 Uruguay
Uruguay have been poor lately, with their form taking a dip since the turn of the year. They are currently winless in their last six outings and have become wasteful in front of goal. In their last five outings, they managed to score 5 times while conceding 9 times.
A devastating loss to the co-host USA was followed up with good draws against England and Algeria leading up to the World Cup, but they were held by Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia in their two 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
Spain’s recent form
Spain’s last five matches: DDWDW–
Spain heads into their final group game in high spirits and currently sits top of Group H. They have won two and drawn three of their last five outings against the following teams:
- 21/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup 2026): Spain 4 – 0 Saudi Arabia
- 15/06/2026 (FIFA World Cup 2026): Spain 0 – 0 Cabo Verde
- 09/06/2026 (Friendly International): Peru 1 – 3 Spain
- 04/06/2026 (Friendly International): Spain 1 – 1 Iraq
- 31/03/2026 (Friendly International): Spain 0 – 0 Egypt
The current European champions are undefeated in their last ten matches; however, their poor form in front of goal was on full display in their goalless draw with Cabo Verde in their World Cup opener. They rightfully bounced back once talisman Lamine Yamal was added back to the starting lineup and fired four past Saudi Arabia.
Despite dominant victories over Saudi Arabia and Peru, their goalscoring frailties remain a concern against defensive teams, following their failure to score against Egypt and Cabo Verde. In their last five matches, Spain had scored 8 goals, conceded 2, and kept 3 clean sheets.
Team news
Uruguay team news
Injuries: Ronald Araújo (Calf Tear), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Calf Strain)
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Madrid talisman Federico Valverde will be pivotal in the Uruguayan engine room, controlling the tempo and driving his side forward. Darwin Núñez should return, as his relentless pressing, aggression, and runs behind the defence will cause problems for the Spanish defenders. The experience of José María Giménez will be vital in stopping the relentless Spanish onslaught in the absence of key defender Ronald Araújo.
Spain team news
Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key players to watch: Lamine Yamal will cause problems for the Uruguayan defence with his creative outlet on the flanks and elite 1v1 dribbling. Partnered by Nico Williams out wide, who will provide electric speed and directness to the Spanish attack after returning from injury. Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal-scoring prowess will come to the fore as his wingers draw in defenders, allowing him to slot into space. Rodri and Pedri will continue to be key in protecting Spain’s defensive line and stopping any counterattacks.
Predicted lineups
Uruguay predicted XI
Marcelo Bielsa will look to use his aggressive man-to-man pressing to disrupt the Spanish rhythm. Uruguay should not have much of the ball and will need to continue their vertical, direct transitions. Valverde will be pivotal in this match, as key defensive players are missing, and he is normally at the forefront of Uruguay’s creativity. La Celeste should look to use a 3-4-2-1 formation to balance out defensive solidity and aggressive pressing to stop the Spanish attack. We predict La Celeste starting XI to feature:
Fernando Muslera (G) – Guillermo Varela – Sebastián Cáceres – Mathias Olivera – Rodrigo Bentancur – Manuel Ugarte – Agustín Canobbio – Federico Valverde (C) – Juan Sanabria – Maximilliano Araújo – Darwin Núñez.
Spain predicted XI
Luis de la Fuente has built his Spanish side to dominate central possession, and uses Rodri as an anchor to free up Pedri and Ruiz to create forward passes. The return of his main wingers will create explosivity out wide and directness with the 1v1 dribbling. La Roja should look to use a 4-3-3 formation to balance out defensive solidity with speed and power on the flanks. We predict La Roja to feature the following players:
Unai Simón (G) – Marcos Llorente – Pau Cubarsí – Aymeric Laporte – Marc Cucurella – Rodri (C) – Pedri – Fabián Ruiz – Lamine Yamal – Mikel Oyarzabal – Nico Williams.
Best betting markets for Uruguay vs Spain
Match winner
Prediction: Spain to WIN @ 51/100 (1.51) at Sportingbet.
Over/Under goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals @ 17/20 (1.85) at BetXchange.
Both teams to score
Prediction: Both teams to score Yes @ 105/100 (2.05) at BetXchange.
Anytime goalscorer
Prediction: Nico Williams to score anytime @ 13/10 (2.30) at Soccershop.
The knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are fast approaching, and you can find all the World Cup action right here at Topbets on our 2026 FIFA World Cup page.
Uruguay vs Spain prediction
Best bet
Prediction: Both teams to score Yes @ 105/100 (2.05) at BetXchange.
Correct score prediction
Prediction: Match to end 3 – 1 to Spain @ 13/1 (14.00) at WSB.
Match analysis and verdict
Uruguay and Spain currently hold onto the top two spots of Group H, separated by just two points heading into their final group game. However, Spain is the better team on paper and should beat their South American counterparts. We are expecting an end-to-end match, with Spain dominating possession and keeping Uruguay at bay. We predict that La Roja will win 3 – 1 against La Celeste.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
