Former champions clash: Spain vs Uruguay preview - Win secures top spot, drop to second would mean facing Argentina

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

[Qualification outlook]

Currently, Spain has 4 points from one win and one draw, temporarily leading the group. Uruguay, with two draws, has 2 points and sits in second place. Whether Spain can secure the top spot depends entirely on their own performance. The simplest way is to defeat Uruguay, eliminating the need to consider the other match result in the group.

Even if Spain draws with Uruguay, they are likely to advance as group leaders, but this depends on other match results. If they draw with Uruguay, even if Cape Verde beats Saudi Arabia, Spain could still top the group. Only if Cape Verde has a superior goal difference will Spain lose 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. Progressing 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 advance to the round of 32.

If Spain advances as group winners, they will face the second-place team from Group J (which, barring surprises, would avoid facing Argentina before the final); if they finish second, they will meet the Group J winners (Argentina). Therefore, to avoid Argentina, Spain should still strive for a victory in this match.

[Head-to-head record]

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

[Expected 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, Matías Saracchi

Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur

Forwards: Agustín Canobbio, Federico Viñas, Maximiliano Araújo