A test for Bielsa and a chance for the favorite: prediction for Uruguay vs Spain - 27.06.2026
The third round World Cup clash between Uruguay and Spain is set for June 27 at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan. Spain tops the group with four points, while Uruguay sits second with two, but their position remains precarious heading into this decisive round.
- See also: Battle for a last chance and a tense group finish: prediction for Senegal vs Iraq - 26.06.2026
Uruguay: plenty of shots, little clarity, and mounting tension
Uruguay entered the tournament well below expectations. Marcelo Bielsa’s side drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with Cape Verde, despite being the group’s presumed frontrunners.
The problem is not just the results, but the overall state of the team. Tensions between Bielsa and the locker room, which first surfaced after Copa América 2024, have resurfaced. The coach remains steadfast in his principles and is reluctant to compromise, but the players still don’t look like a well-oiled machine in his system.
Offensively, Uruguay takes a lot of shots, but often without proper buildup and from less-than-ideal positions. Over two matches, the team has fired 44 shots, with 17 coming from outside the box. Darwin Núñez hasn’t delivered the efficiency required, and the team’s top scorer in the tournament is Maximiliano Araújo, who is naturally more of a defensive player.
Spain: responding to critics and regaining attacking sharpness
After a goalless draw with Cape Verde, Spain quickly corrected course. Luis de la Fuente reshuffled his lineup, refreshed the attacking structure, and was rewarded with a commanding 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
The opening spell was especially crucial: Spain scored three times by the 24th minute, allowing them to conserve energy. The team shed the psychological burden from the first match, ended their winless and goalless streak at World Cups, and now approach the Uruguay game with far greater confidence.
Spain’s lineup might get even stronger thanks to Nico Williams, who is ready to start. Lamine Yamal already returned to the XI against Saudi Arabia and netted the winner, and with Nico and Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain could line up their optimal attacking trio for the first time in this tournament.
Probable lineups
- Uruguay: Muslera, Manuel Sanabria, Oliveira, Cáceres, Varela, Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Araújo, Viñas, Canobbio.
- Spain: Simón, Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Hernández, Olmo, Pedri, Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal.
Match facts and head-to-head
- No more than 10 corners were awarded in regular time in 9 of Uruguay’s last 12 World Cup matches
- Spain has not received more than 1 yellow card in regular time in their last 13 World Cup matches
- No more than 3 goals were scored in regular time in 12 of Uruguay’s last 13 World Cup matches
Spanish freshness versus Uruguayan chaos: prediction for Uruguay vs Spain
Uruguay needs a win, but that only makes the task more difficult. Bielsa’s side will have to play more proactively, open up, and raise the tempo, although the first two matches have already exposed a lack of ideas up front and lapses in concentration at the back. Another risk is Fernando Muslera’s form, whose mistakes directly contributed to conceded goals in previous rounds.
Spain looks more organized, fresher, and more versatile. De la Fuente’s side played most of their match against Saudi Arabia in energy-saving mode, while the attacking leaders got extra rest. With Nico Williams back and a more cohesive attacking setup, Spain should be able to exploit the space and see the match out for a win.
