Former champions clash: Spain vs Uruguay preview – Win secures top spot; dropping to second would mean facing Argentina

At 8:00 Beijing time on June 27, the final round of Group H in the World Cup begins with a high-stakes match. Spain's men's team will take on Uruguay's men's team at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, a showdown between two former World Cup winners.

[Qualification Scenario]

Currently, Spain leads the group with 4 points from one win and one draw, while Uruguay has two draws and 2 points, placing them second. Whether Spain finishes top depends entirely on their own performance. The simplest way is to defeat Uruguay, eliminating the need to consider the other match in the group.

Even if Spain draws with Uruguay, they are likely to advance as group leaders, but this depends on the outcome of the other match. If they draw, even if Cape Verde beats Saudi Arabia, Spain could still finish top. Only if Cape Verde has a superior goal difference would Spain surrender the top spot.

If Spain loses to Uruguay, they still have a chance to advance, either as group runners-up or as one of the best third-placed teams. Advancing to the knockout stage seems within reach, as in addition to the top two from each group, the eight best third-placed teams will also qualify for the round of 32.

If Spain finishes first in the group, they will face the second-placed team from Group J (which, barring surprises, would avoid a meeting with Argentina before the final). If they finish second, they will face the Group J winner (Argentina). Therefore, to avoid Argentina, Spain should strive for a victory in this match.

[Head-to-Head Record]

The two teams have met 10 times in history, with Spain winning 5 and drawing 5, scoring 16 goals and conceding 8, giving them a clear advantage. Their most recent encounter was in the 2013 Confederations Cup, where Spain defeated Uruguay 2-1.

[Predicted Lineups]

Spain starting lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Unai Simón

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Dani Olmo, Rodri, Pedri

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams

Uruguay starting lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Fernando Muslera

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Mathías Olivera, Martín Cáceres, Agustín Sanabria

Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur

Forwards: Agustín Canobbio, Matías Viñas, Maxi Araújo