Group H — Group Standings
Match schedule, current standings and our prediction for Group H at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🪙 Fan tokens in this group
Standings
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Spain
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 7 |
| 2 |
Cape Verde
|
3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 |
Uruguay
|
3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 |
Saudi Arabia
|
3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
Match Schedule
Spain
0 - 0
Cape Verde
Saudi Arabia
1 - 1
Uruguay
Spain
4 - 0
Saudi Arabia
Uruguay
2 - 2
Cape Verde
Uruguay
0 - 1
Spain
Cape Verde
0 - 0
Saudi Arabia
Our Prediction
Pre-Tournament Forecast
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.
Updated After Matchday 1
Group H exploded the tournament with two shocks: Spain failed to break down debutants Cape Verde, and Uruguay split the points with Saudi Arabia. After that start the entire group is level on points, and the favourite — Spain — is now under real pressure. Cape Verde proved they will fight to the end: a high block and physical discipline kept Spain away from goal. Uruguay, missing several key attackers, looked uncertain and risks failing to advance from the group for the first time in years. The decisive matches are Spain–Saudi Arabia and Uruguay–Cape Verde on 21 June: both Spain and Uruguay desperately need wins, or the knockout round slips away.
Updated After Matchday 2
Spain responded to their opening-day scare in style, crushing Saudi Arabia 4–0 to move top with four points and a perfect defensive record. Behind them the group is congested: Uruguay and Cape Verde shared a thrilling 2–2 draw and sit level on two points, with Saudi Arabia still alive on one. Debutants Cape Verde continue to punch above their weight and now face a winnable decider against Saudi Arabia on 26 June. Uruguay, unconvincing and lacking fluency in attack, face the much harder task of meeting Spain — and could yet fail to escape a group for the first time in years. Spain need only avoid defeat to top the group. The likeliest finish: Spain advance as winners, with second place a genuine three-way scrap between Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, decided on the final day.