FIFA World Cup 2026 LIVE SCORE UPDATES, Final leap for R32: Uruguay 0-1 Spain in 2nd half | FIFA World Cup 2026

Spain went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead over Uruguay after controlling large spells of the first half in their final Group H encounter at Guadalajara.

Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession from the opening whistle, pinning Uruguay back with sustained pressure and winning a string of early corners inside the opening 10 minutes. Their crisp passing through midfield, led by Rodri and Pedri, allowed Spain to dictate the tempo, although clear-cut opportunities remained at a premium.

Uruguay’s first real opening arrived in the 13th minute after a rare misplaced pass from Spain, but the European champions recovered quickly to snuff out the danger. Marcelo Bielsa’s men gradually settled into the contest and came close midway through the half when Darwin Núñez failed to apply the finishing touch to a dangerous cross from the right. Minutes later, Uruguay enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing Unai Simón into an awkward save from a set-piece after the goalkeeper spilled the ball under pressure, but Spain’s defence reacted swiftly to clear the danger.

Despite Uruguay’s growing confidence, Spain continued to look the more composed side in possession. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino combined well before the hydration break, with Merino narrowly missing contact on a teasing delivery that could have opened the scoring.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 42nd minute. Alex Baena collected possession on the edge of the area before driving a low effort towards goal that slipped beyond Fernando Muslera and crept into the bottom corner to hand Spain a deserved lead.

Uruguay responded immediately by introducing Nicolás De La Cruz in place of Manuel Ugarte before eight minutes of stoppage time. Núñez nearly equalised in the dying moments of the half, but Simón produced a sharp save to preserve Spain’s slender advantage heading into the interval.