Uruguay enters the field this Friday (26) against Spain needing a positive result to stay alive in the 2026 World Cup. With two draws in the initial rounds, Celeste arrives with two points and depends on victory or a draw combined with Cape Verde’s stumble against Saudi Arabia to advance. Spain leads with four points and is playing for a direct place in first place.
Main guess: Spain won 2-1. Roja has more technical quality and squad depth, but Uruguay tends to be competitive in decisive games and should score at least one goal by exploiting counterattacks.
Uruguayan absences complicate Bielsa’s plans
Marcelo Bielsa will not be able to count on Giorgian de Arrascaeta (collarbone fracture and muscle problem) nor Ronald Araújo (muscle injury). The absence of a creative midfielder reduces the ability to create, while the lack of a central defender weakens the defense against Spain’s fast attack.
Without these names, Uruguay must rely on collective determination, with Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur commanding the midfield. Darwin Núñez or Federico Viñas lead the attack in search of spaces.
Favorite Spain, but needs attention
The Spanish team arrives in good shape, with control of possession and quick transitions led by Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Rodri. A draw already guarantees group leadership and a more favorable route in the knockout stages. Luis de la Fuente must maintain the starting position.
Alternative guesses:
- Most likely exact score: Spain 2 x 1 Uruguay or 2 x 0.
- Do both teams score?Yes (good chance, as Uruguay tends to be offensive even as underdogs).
- More than 2.5 goals?Yes — Spain’s games in this World Cup tend to have open scores.
Probable lineups and key points of the confrontation
Uruguay(4-2-3-1): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Bentancur, Ugarte; Canobbio, Valverde, M. Araújo; Viñas (or Núñez).
Spain(4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Olmo, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Betting Highlights:
- Valverde to score or assist: High probability as Celeste’s engine.
- Yamal over dribbling: The young Spaniard must explore the weakened Uruguayan side.
- Cards: Physical game must generate at least 4 yellow cards.
The clash takes place at the Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara (Mexico), at 9pm (Brasília time). The result defines positions and possibly crosses in the knockout stage.