World Cup 2026 Group H: Standings, results, and who can qualify
The favorites appear to have turned up, but there are still so many permutations in Group H.
Spain finally clicked into gear on Matchday 2 and now sits on top of Group H, but the race for qualification remains wide open heading into the final round of games.
After a frustrating goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opener, Luis de la Fuente’s side responded emphatically with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Lamine Yamal marked his return with the opening goal, Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice before halftime, and a Saudi own goal – after a sweet Cucurella volley – completed the rout. The win lifted Spain onto four points and dramatically improved its goal difference.
The other Matchday 2 game ended in a 2-2 draw between Uruguay and Cape Verde, leaving both teams on two points. That result means no team has yet qualified and no team has been eliminated, setting up a fascinating final day in the group.
Spain enters the last round in the strongest position and will advance with a draw against Uruguay. Cape Verde, meanwhile, remains one of the stories of the tournament after taking points from both Spain and Uruguay. Saudi Arabia is bottom with one point but still has a mathematical path to the round of 32.
Group H: results
Group H: standings
After the second matchups in the group, the table looks like this:
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 4 |
| Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Cape Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
Group H: remaining games
- June 26: Uruguay vs Spain
- June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Who can qualify from Group H?
- Spain: Qualifies with a draw or win. A victory guarantees first place. A defeat could still see Spain qualify, but not as group winner.
- Uruguay: Qualifies with a win. A draw could also be enough depending on the Cape Verde-Saudi Arabia result.
- Cape Verde: Can qualify by beating Saudi Arabia. If Uruguay also beats Spain, Cape Verde could even top the group on goal difference.
- Saudi Arabia: Must beat Cape Verde and may need help from Uruguay against Spain.
Remember that eight of the 12 third placed teams also go through. Better understand the tie-breaker rules.
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