Uruguay's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a disappointing end after a costly goalkeeping error by veteran Fernando Muslera handed Spain a 1-0 victory in their final Group H match in Guadalajara on Saturday. Alex Baena's tame effort slipped through Muslera's hands late in the first half, proving to be the decisive moment as Spain secured top spot in the group and advanced to the knockout stage, while Uruguay exited the tournament without registering a victory.

Spain entered the match needing a win to guarantee first place in Group H and avoid a potentially difficult Round of 32 clash against defending champions Argentina. The European champions ultimately achieved their objective despite producing another unconvincing attacking display. Baena's goal came in the 42nd minute when Marcos Llorente's cross found the midfielder, whose low shot appeared routine before Muslera failed to gather the ball, allowing it to roll into the net. It was Spain's only goal in a contest that otherwise lacked clear-cut scoring opportunities.

The defeat capped a disappointing tournament for two-time world champions Uruguay under head coach Marcelo Bielsa. After opening their campaign with a goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde, Uruguay were held to another draw by Saudi Arabia before falling to Spain. Reports of unrest within the Uruguayan camp had emerged following the earlier matches, with senior players, including Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, reportedly clashing with Bielsa over his tactical approach. Those issues appeared to reflect the team's struggles throughout the group stage.

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Muslera, who was a key figure in Uruguay's run to the semi-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, endured a difficult tournament. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had already been criticised after being held responsible for both goals conceded in the 2-2 draw against Cape Verde. His mistake against Spain ultimately proved even more costly, ending Uruguay's hopes of progressing and making them the highest-ranked team to be eliminated during the group stage of the competition.

Spain, meanwhile, finished atop Group H and will face either Austria or Algeria in the Round of 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday. Luis de la Fuente's side had begun the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0, aided by the return of teenage star Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup. However, their performance against Uruguay suggested there is still room for improvement as they prepare for the knockout rounds.

Uruguay's elimination also benefited Cape Verde, who secured second place in the group after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia. The debutants progressed to the knockout stage and earned a high-profile meeting with Lionel Messi's Argentina. While Spain remain in contention for another World Cup title, Uruguay will leave the tournament reflecting on missed opportunities, internal turmoil and a campaign that ended with a costly individual error on football's biggest stage.

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