Group H finale: Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde all still fighting to top the table

Group H enters its final matchday at the 2026 World Cup with every position still undecided — a scenario that makes it arguably the most open of all 12 groups at this summer’s tournament.

Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde can each mathematically top the group, while bottom side Saudi Arabia could still climb as high as second. Just three points separate first from fourth.

The group concludes on Friday in a simultaneous double-header. Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium in Houston at 7pm local time, while Uruguay take on Spain at Estadio Akron in Zapopan at 6pm local time — both kicking off at 1am UK time.

What each side needs

Spain are in the strongest position. Luis de la Fuente’s side will top the group with a win and most likely with a draw, unless Cape Verde beat Saudi Arabia by a margin large enough to overhaul Spain on goal difference. A defeat to Uruguay combined with a Cape Verde win would drop Spain to third, though they would almost certainly still advance as one of the eight best third-placed sides.

Uruguay face the starkest stakes. A loss to Spain eliminates them outright — two points would not be enough to qualify as a third-placed side, and they would be overtaken by at least one of Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia. A draw guarantees them at least third place and possibly second depending on the other result. A win sends them top of the group, provided Cape Verde do not also win by a greater margin.

Cape Verde can only finish top if they beat Saudi Arabia by a larger margin than Uruguay beat Spain — a narrow but real possibility. More straightforwardly, any win over Saudi Arabia guarantees the World Cup debutants a place in the round of 32, as they would leapfrog at least one of Spain or Uruguay into the top two. A draw would put them second if Uruguay lose; if Uruguay also draw, the tie would be resolved by goals scored and then team conduct scores.

Saudi Arabia must beat Cape Verde to have any chance of advancing. Even then, their fate would depend on the outcome in Zapopan.

What’s at stake beyond the group

The group winners will face the runners-up from Group J — either Austria or Algeria — in the round of 32. The runners-up advance to meet Argentina. A third-placed finish could still be enough to progress, with that side likely facing either Mexico or the winners of Group G, where Egypt currently lead.