World Cup 2026 Group H final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
Spain beat Uruguay to top the group - and after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde’s fairytale World Cup run continues.
As Spain chase a second world title, La Roja secured top spot in Group H on Friday night - but that wasn’t the story of the matchday. The headlines go to tournament debutants Cape Verde, who became the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stages of a men’s World Cup.
What happened on Group H matchday three?
After against-the-odds draws against Spain and Uruguay, the Cape Verdeans headed into Friday’s clash with Saudi Arabia knowing another point might be all they needed to seal automatic qualification for the last 32. The Blue Sharks got that point in Houston - and it was indeed enough.
Coupled with Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain, Cape Verde leapfrogged the South Americans into second place, ensuring that their sensational World Cup campaign will continue. At just over 500,000, the tiny island nation has the lowest population of any knockout team in men’s World Cup history.
In Guadalajara, Álex Baena’s 42-minute goal gave Spain victory over Uruguay, as Luis de la Fuente’s men advanced as group winners. For the Uruguayans, defeat meant an early exit for the second straight World Cup; indeed, Marcelo Biela’s side only avoided finishing bottom because their negative goal difference is not as bad as Saudi Arabia’s.
Who will Spain and Cape Verde play in the round of 32?
Having made history with their second-place finish in Group H, Cape Verde can now look forward to a glamour last-32 tie. The Africans will take on the tournament holders, Argentina, in Miami on July 3. Spain, meanwhile, will play the runner-up from the Argentinians’ group on July 2: either Algeria or Austria will be the European champions’ opposition in Los Angeles.
Group H: results
Matchday one: June 15
Matchday two: June 21
Matchday three: June 26
Group H: final standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain (Q) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 7 |
| Cape Verde (Q) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Uruguay (E) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia (E) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
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