Spain one result from the last 32 as Uruguay and Cape Verde fight for Group H survival

Spain enter the 2026 World Cup Group H finale as heavy favourites to advance, but three other teams still have a realistic route through as Uruguay face Spain and Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia in simultaneous 8 p.m. ET kickoffs.

Current Group H Standings

Spain sit top with four points and a +4 goal difference after their 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia. Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on points below them, while Saudi Arabia prop up the group on zero.

What Each Team Needs

Spain are in the most comfortable position. A win or draw against Uruguay is enough to advance. Even a loss only eliminates Spain if Cape Verde beat Saudi Arabia by enough to overturn Spain’s goal difference advantage — a highly unlikely scenario.

Uruguay need a win over Spain to advance regardless of events in Houston. A draw keeps La Celeste alive, but only if Cape Verde also draw; in that case, the tiebreaker between Uruguay and Cape Verde — likely goals scored — would decide who goes through. A loss would almost certainly end Uruguay’s tournament, though their fate could hinge on the wider third-place standings.

Cape Verde have been the feel-good story of Group H, picking up two points from their opening two matches without registering a win. Victory over Saudi Arabia sends the debutants into the Round of 32 for the first time. A draw keeps them alive only if Spain beat Uruguay; if Uruguay win and Cape Verde draw, the tiebreaker with Uruguay comes into play. A defeat would end one of the tournament’s most memorable runs.

Saudi Arabia face the steepest climb. Their 4-0 loss to Spain left them with a -4 goal difference and no points, meaning they must beat Cape Verde and hope results elsewhere fall their way to sneak through as one of the best third-place finishers. A draw or loss ends their tournament.