World Cup 2026 – Group H guide: Favorites Spain take on Uruguay as Cape Verde's fairytale begins
Spain are the early favorites in Group H of the 2026 World Cup, followed by stalwart Uruguay, while debutants Cape Verde are writing their fairytale. The group also includes Saudi Arabia.
The World Cup 2026 in North America has been expanded to 48 teams, but the story remains: the big names are still the favourites. In Group H, the Euro 2024 championship brings Spain so they are considered the strongest, followed by the always dangerous Uruguay. Saudi Arabia and history-making debutant Cape Verde complete the group.
Group H matches (all times BST) • 15 June, 5pm: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta • 15 June, 11pm: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami • 21 June, 5pm: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta • 21 June, 11pm: Uruguay v Cape Verde – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami • 27 June, 1am: Uruguay v Spain – Estadio Akron, Zapopan (Mexico) • 27 June, 1am: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia – NRG Stadium, Houston
Spain: heavy target La Roja came in as favorites after a successful two years since reigning European champions. Since beating England in Berlin, they have suffered just one defeat—in the 2025 Nations League final, on penalties against Portugal. Since 2010, they have not come close to the trophy again, but it is felt in Madrid to Barcelona that this is the most complete batch since Iniesta and Xavi.
Coach Luis de la Fuente responded boldly to the selection of the record—no player from Real Madrid, with Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen left out. Lamine Yamal is still central, supported by Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal (star in Berlin). There are questions about the defense and the right combination in attack, but if La Roja can adapt the blueprint of 2024, they will look forward to the star addition to the emblem.
Uruguay: solid wall and match-winners Uruguay is a two-time champion (1930, 1950) and known for overachievement. Under Marcelo Bielsa—who is set to step down after the tournament—they are looking forward to another campaign after a third-place finish at Copa América 2024. While the current group may not be as talented as the previous golden generation, they showed in the Copa and the match against England in March that they can grind against bigger names.
There is steel behind, brains in the middle of Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and possible heroes such as Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez. The quarter-final is arguably a successful target, while any repeat in 2010 would be considered a minor miracle.
Saudi Arabia: long experience, new direction This is Saudi Arabia's seventh World Cup finals—and as the designated host of 2034, momentum is important. They reached the Round of 16 in 1994 when the tournament was last held in the USA, but six editions have folded at the group stage. In an expanded format with a hundred third-placed qualifiers, there is still hope to slip through from Group H, although the possibility of an early return home is realistic.
At the helm is coach Hervé Renard, an expert on the international stage after bringing home Afcon for Zambia and Ivory Coast. However, a 1-0 loss to Jordan in last year's Arab Cup semifinal showed the team's limitations. Reaching the Round of 32 will be a big success.
Cape Verde: first step on the biggest stage Cape Verde's first World Cup, led by former player Bubista. They went through qualification with seven wins in 10 games against Cameroon and Angola. They rely on Ryan Mendes up front, with support from Willy Semedo (Omonoia), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Benfica), and qualification's top scorer Dailon Livramento.
From quarterfinal runs in Afcon 2013 and 2023, they bring the 'nothing to lose' mentality to North America—especially since Spain and Uruguay are in their group. The expanded format that can advance the third-placed team has helped so that the dream of reaching the Round of 32 in the first attempt is alive.
Look at the speed Expect Spain to sweep the bracket if they can continue their form in Europe. Uruguay will present a tough test and are confident of second place. On paper, it's a battle for third between Saudi Arabia (FIFA ranking No. 61) and Cape Verde (No. 69), but the door is open for surprises especially in the longer group phase of the 48-team format.
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