Overview
- Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 in Guadalajara on Friday when Álex Baena's 42nd-minute shot crossed the line after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to hold or properly divert the ball.
- The victory secured Spain first place in Group H and a last-16 path that sends them to the Los Angeles/Dallas side of the bracket to face the winner of Austria or Algeria.
- Uruguay were eliminated with two points; Muslera was substituted at halftime and coach Marcelo Bielsa publicly accepted responsibility for the team's poor showing while also being filmed angrily confronting media.
- Debutants Cabo Verde advanced in second place and will meet Argentina in the round of 16, a result that reshuffles expectations for that section of the knockout bracket.
- Separately, Julián Álvarez reiterated his wish to leave Atlético de Madrid this week and a teammate Álex Baena joked he would 'put a chain' on him, comments that have provoked fan protests and reported irritation from Atlético's leadership.