Uruguay
Uruguay were also held to a surprise draw on MD1, as they had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Saudi Arabia.
However, unlike the Spanish, Marcelo Bielsa’s men failed to answer their critics, as they were held to a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde.
That means Uruguay require a win in Seattle on Saturday to top the group, whilst a draw may be enough to qualify for the knockout stages, depending on results elsewhere.
Injuries & Team News
Uruguay will be without the services of Ronald Araujo (calf) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (calf) for Friday’s match, but there are no fresh fitness concerns for the South American team.
There could be a key change in the final third of the field for this match, with Darwin Nunez potentially being introduced in place of Federico Vinas.
Agustin Canobbio was a standout performer against Cape Verde last time out; the same can also be said for Maxi Araujo, and both players are set to retain their spots in the final third, with Nunez going through the middle as the number nine.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-2 vs Cape Verde | D L D D D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Muslera; Varela, Gimenez, Caceres, Olivera; Bentancur, Ugarte, Valverde; Canobbio, Nunez, Araujo
Spain
Pre-tournament favourites Spain drew plenty of criticism after their group opener, as they were held to a goalless draw with debutants Cape Verde.
However, Luis de la Fuente’s men answered their critics emphatically in Atlanta last Sunday evening, as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, in a game in which they were three goals ahead after just 24 minutes.
Therefore, La Roja will be well aware that if they avoid defeat, they will secure top spot and avoid a Round of 32 clash with reigning champions Argentina.
Injuries & Team News
Spain, meanwhile, could once again be missing Victor Munoz, but Yamal started against Saudi Arabia last time out, and the Barcelona wonderkid is again set to be included in the first XI for the contest with Uruguay.
Nico Williams has made two substitute appearances at the 2026 World Cup, and this could be the match that sees the Athletic Bilbao forward come into the starting side.
Dani Olmo impressed in midfield last time out and is again set to be given the nod over Fabian Ruiz, with Alex Baena likely to be the player to drop out for Nico Williams.
Oyarzabal scored twice against Saudi Arabia last time out, and the Real Sociedad attacker is again set to feature in the final third of the field.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 4-0 vs Saudi Arabia | W D D W D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Spain possible starting lineup:
Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, N Williams
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Uruguay Win | 6/1 – (7.00) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 16/5 – (4.20) | Dream Vegas |
| Spain Win | 8/15 – (1.53) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Uruguay 1-2 Spain
It could be that Uruguay have left themselves to much to do in this group and the draws with Saudi Arabia & Cape Verde will come back to haunt them, Spain look back to there best and will have too much for the South Americans.