Uruguay vs. Spain projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group H game in Guadalajara

Uruguay and Spain meet on Friday at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in a World Cup Group H game with very different stakes for each side.

Spain sit top of the group on four points after a goalless draw with Cape Verde was followed by a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia. La Roja need only avoid defeat to be certain of finishing first and securing the kinder route through the knockout bracket.

Uruguay, by contrast, are up against it. Two draws, 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with Cape Verde, have left Marcelo Bielsa's side on two points and needing a result, while keeping one eye on Cape Verde's game against Saudi Arabia.

For the European champions, this is about momentum and top spot. For Uruguay, it is do or die: win, and they are almost certainly through; slip up, and a tournament that promised much could be over before the knockouts. How both teams set up will be critical.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Uruguay projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 1. S. Rochet (GK) — 22. G. Varela, 2. J. Gimenez, 4. R. Araujo, 17. M. Olivera — 5. M. Ugarte, 15. F. Valverde, 10. G. de Arrascaeta — 11. F. Pellistri, 9. D. Nunez, 7. M. Araujo

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On yellow card: Mathias Olivera, Rodrigo Bentancur

The pressure is squarely on Marcelo Bielsa, whose methods have not yet clicked into goals in this group stage and who needs a big performance to quiet the doubters. With qualification on the line, expect Uruguay to throw caution to the wind in trademark Bielsa fashion.

Federico Valverde remains the heartbeat of the side, driving from midfield, while Manuel Ugarte does the dirty work behind him. Up front, Darwin Nunez has to take the chances that escaped him against Cape Verde, with Facundo Pellistri and the pace out wide tasked with stretching a Spain defence that has barely been tested so far.

There could be a change in goal, as veteran Fernando Muslera has started for the first two matches, but had a nightmare performance in the Cape Verde draw and may be swapped out for Sergio Rochet.

Spain projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 23. U. Simon (GK) — 2. P. Porro, 5. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz, 9. Pedri — 19. Lamine Yamal, 21. M. Oyarzabal, 17. N. Williams

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On yellow card: Pedri

The question for Luis de la Fuente is how much to rotate. Top spot is in Spain's hands, and with a draw enough, he may be tempted to rest legs for the knockouts, but momentum is precious and his strongest side remains a frightening proposition.

Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams give Spain the most dangerous pair of wingers at the tournament, with Pedri and Rodri controlling the tempo in midfield. Spain have looked imperious in possession and, if they move the ball at their usual speed, Uruguay will spend long spells chasing shadows. The danger is complacency against a desperate, physical opponent.

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Uruguay vs. Spain predictions, betting odds

Spain are strong favourites, and deservedly so. They are the reigning European champions, they have more quality across the pitch than any side in the group and, crucially, they need only a draw to finish top. That combination of class and a comfortable equation makes them very hard to beat.

Uruguay's hope rests on the chaos a must-win game can bring, and on Bielsa's ability to spring a tactical surprise. With Valverde and Nunez, they have the players to hurt Spain on the counter, but they will have to be far more clinical than they have been so far. Expect Spain to control possession and edge a game that Uruguay simply have to chase.

• Score prediction: Uruguay 1-2 Spain

Uruguay vs. Spain World Cup rosters

Here are the names on the Uruguay vs. Spain World Cup rosters, as named for the 2026 tournament.

Uruguay World Cup roster

Head coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Spain World Cup roster

Head coach: Luis de la Fuente

Where to watch Uruguay vs. Spain

•  TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: