Group H — Group Standings

Race for 1st place

World #1 Spain are overwhelming favourites to top Group H. Luis de la Fuente's possession-heavy 4-3-3 around Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri and Nico Williams is the most cohesive system in the tournament, and Spain should take maximum points. The only fixture with any genuine intrigue is Spain vs. Uruguay — likely on matchday 2 — but even that should end with a Spanish win given the gulf in midfield quality.

Race for 2nd place

Uruguay are the obvious second-place pick. Marcelo Bielsa's high-pressing system, with Federico Valverde controlling the midfield and Darwin Núñez plus Maximiliano Araújo leading the attack, is more than enough to dispatch Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. A defeat to Spain still leaves Uruguay on 6 points — almost certainly second place. Bielsa's mind-games and willingness to gamble could even produce an upset against Spain.

Third-place playoff slot

Saudi Arabia are the favourites for the third-place playoff slot, edging out Cape Verde through experience. Hervé Renard's well-drilled side famously beat Argentina in 2022, and although that team has aged, the core retains tournament smarts. The realistic path: a defeat to Spain, a defeat or draw to Uruguay, and a win over Cape Verde — three points and a respectable goal difference should be enough for the best-thirds calculation.

Bottom of the group

Cape Verde are the most likely group bottom — but their first-ever World Cup participation is itself a historic achievement. Bubista's squad, drawn largely from the Portuguese, French and African leagues, lacks the depth to compete with three established sides. A single goal scored and a competitive performance against Saudi Arabia on matchday 3 is the realistic target.