After Brazil and Germany, it is now the turn of Spain and Uruguay, two former world champions, to begin their campaigns at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Drawn in Group H, Spain, the 2010 world champions, will face Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States, on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, Uruguay, winners of the 1930 and 1950 World Cups, will take on Saudi Arabia at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 5:00 a.m.
As former world champions, both Spain and Uruguay are naturally favored to win their opening matches. However, history and reputation alone will not guarantee an easy path, as Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia arrive with strong ambitions to produce major upsets.
Morocco’s surprise 1-1 draw against Brazil in the opening Group C match serves as a warning for Spain and Uruguay. At the same time, Morocco’s success in matching the five-time world champions provides important inspiration for both Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Yamal Recovers
Ahead of their opening test against Cape Verde, Spain received encouraging news with the recovery of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal from the hamstring injury that had sidelined him in several recent matches for Barcelona and raised doubts about his participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente confirmed that the 18-year-old is available for selection against Cape Verde, although he is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes.
“He is ready to play. We will assess the situation. Lamine is ready to play, but not for the full 90 minutes,” De la Fuente said.
Yamal’s return provides a significant boost for Spain. Despite his young age, he has already become one of La Roja’s key figures, recording 25 appearances and six goals for the national team.
His contribution was instrumental in Spain’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2024 and during their convincing qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Spain enter the tournament aiming to win their second World Cup title after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. They are also widely expected to advance from the group stage into the knockout rounds.
“We do not deny that we are considered favorites, but that guarantees nothing,” De la Fuente said.
Nevertheless, Spain cannot afford to be complacent. Cape Verde are not in the tournament merely to enjoy their first-ever World Cup appearance.
The team coached by Pedro Leitao Brito, better known as Bubista, made history by qualifying for the finals for the first time after winning Group A of the African qualifiers ahead of Cameroon and Angola.
For the small island nation, reaching the World Cup represents a special achievement as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence.
Bubista, who has become a symbol of Cape Verde’s success, believes his team is still capable of causing an upset.
With no pressure on their shoulders, Cape Verde could prove to be a dangerous opponent for Spain, especially if they maintain defensive discipline and capitalize on the pressure facing the 2010 world champions.
Uruguay Begin Their Journey
In the other Group H fixture, Uruguay will begin their World Cup campaign under charismatic head coach Marcelo Bielsa, who has indicated that the 2026 World Cup may mark the end of his tenure with La Celeste.
The coach known as El Loco hopes to conclude his time with Uruguay by achieving the best possible result.
Since taking charge in 2023, Bielsa has transformed Uruguay’s playing style into a more aggressive, high-pressing, and high-intensity approach.
That philosophy helped Uruguay secure third place at the 2024 Copa América and produce several impressive results during World Cup qualifying, including a 2-0 victory over reigning world champions Argentina on Argentine soil.
Bielsa has also succeeded in bringing out the best in players such as Federico Valverde and his teammates.
Former Uruguay defender Hugo De Leon even stated that the biggest change introduced by Bielsa has been the team’s willingness to play far away from its own defensive area.
Although Uruguay are considered favorites, they must remain cautious against Saudi Arabia.
The Green Falcons have struggled historically at the World Cup, suffering 13 defeats in 19 matches. They have advanced beyond the group stage only once, at the 1994 World Cup.
However, Saudi Arabia have already demonstrated their ability to produce remarkable upsets.
At the 2022 World Cup, they became the first team to defeat Argentina, who eventually went on to win the tournament, with a sensational 2-1 victory.
One player Uruguay must closely monitor is Salem Al Dawsari, the star winger who has won the AFC Player of the Year award twice, in 2023 and 2025.
His pace, creativity, and ability to score crucial goals make Al Dawsari Saudi Arabia’s primary weapon in their attempt to surprise Uruguay.***
