Uruguay face Spain at Estadio Guadalajara in the early hours of Saturday morning in a match they must win to guarantee their place in the World Cup round of 32.
Two draws have left Marcelo Bielsa’s side second in Group H on two points, level with Cape Verde on goal difference. A win over Spain — a side they have never beaten in ten previous meetings — secures automatic qualification. A draw keeps them alive but dependent on Saudi Arabia avoiding defeat against Cape Verde at the same time. Uruguay cannot afford caution. They need to go to Guadalajara and beat the reigning European champions.
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Uruguay team news
Bielsa faces his most difficult selection challenge of the tournament with two key absentees confirmed. Ronald Araújo will not feature after failing to recover from a calf injury. The Barcelona centre-back has not played since the tournament began, leaving a significant void in the defensive structure. Giorgian de Arrascaeta is also ruled out with a calf problem, removing Uruguay’s most creative midfield option from the equation entirely.
José María Giménez has returned to training and is a candidate to start alongside Sebastián Cáceres at centre-back, with Mathías Olivera potentially pushed out to left-back and Juan Manuel Sanabria remaining on the right. Darwin Núñez, dropped for Federico Viñas against Cape Verde, is expected to return as the central striker after Viñas struggled to make an impression.
Agustín Canobbio and Maxi Araújo continue in the wide attacking positions after impressive performances on matchday two. Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte anchor the midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur providing the link between the two banks. Fernando Muslera starts in goal at 40 years old, earning his 135th cap.
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Uruguay predicted lineup
Uruguay possible starting XI (4-3-3): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte, Valverde; Canobbio, Núñez, M. Araújo
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
How to watch Uruguay vs Spain?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
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