World Cup 2026 Group H Preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group H at the 2026 World Cup will be undeniably watchable because Spain is probably going to sweep the side. With Lamine Yamal at the top of the food chain, even Spain's backups would be starters anywhere in the world. Uruguay is the mystery squad, and Saudi Arabia beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Cabo Verde are stoked to be here. Here's what to know.

Spain (La Roja)

Coach Luis de la Fuente

Hot take. The tournament favorites who probably have the best player on the planet. Anything less than making it to the finals will be a disappointment.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Opta's supercomputer makes Spain the overall favorites and the only team better than 50 percent to reach the quarterfinals, but Spain has only one title ever, from 2010."

Word from home. The Spanish squad reveal rivaled the Met Gala, with King Felipe VI in attendance:

"much more than a simple reading of names." Infobae

The story. It all aligns for the reigning European champions, with a generational talent in Lamine Yamal alongside Gavi and Pedri in midfield, and wingers like Nico Williams. This is one of the deepest teams the Spaniards have ever had, and it's going to be fun to watch.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Spain a 98.5 percent chance of the knockouts, the highest of any team at the tournament, and makes them the title favorites at 16.2 percent.

One thing to read. The World Cup and the Meaning of Spain, TIME (2010).

Cabo Verde (Blue Sharks)

Coach Bubista

Hot take. The Blue Sharks grab a point from a draw with Saudi Arabia, much to the joy of their fans at home.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "When the first World Cup took place in 1930, Cabo Verde was still a part of Portugal."

Word from home. Coach Bubista on the nation's first World Cup:

"May this group of 26 represent Cabo Verde with pride, personality and without fear." Bubista, Expresso das Ilhas

The story. Seven of the team's squad play in Portugal, headlined by Benfica's Sidny Cabral.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives the debutants a 32.9 percent chance of the knockouts.

One thing to read. An Island Nation, Everywhere, Africa Is a Country (2025).

Saudi Arabia (The Green Falcons)

Coach Georgios Donis

Hot take. With a strong domestic system, Saudi Arabia are capable of being giant killers once again.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "At the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia beat eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening match, one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history."

Word from home. The press after Georgios Donis' squad reveal:

" coach Georgios Donis’ choices have done little to ease concerns among fans ahead of a tough group." ArabNews

The story. Donis took over for Hervé Renard, and named a squad that upset some Saudi Arabian supporters when he excluded players like Zakaria Hawsawi, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Abdullah Al-Salem.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Saudi Arabia a 39.9 percent chance of reaching the round of 32.

One thing to read. Saudi Arabia's World Cup Journey: From the Maradona Goal to Stunning Messi, GOAL (2026).

Uruguay (La Celeste)

Coach Marcelo Bielsa

Hot take. Historically a decent team, I have no idea what to make of Uruguay. It'll be interesting to see how Darwin Núñez plays alongside Ugarte and Valverde.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Uruguay won the very first World Cup in 1930, and then again in 1950, but haven't made it above fourth place since then."

Word from home. Marcelo Bielsa, 70, confirming this is his last run:

"Our work ends with the World Cup." Marcelo Bielsa, Infobae

The story. It'll be interesting to see how Darwin Núñez plays alongside Ugarte and Valverde. Bielsa excluded Luis Suárez from the squad, but included Darwin Núñez, whose transfer value has fallen nearly 50m from its height when he was at Liverpool. He has the talent, but will Bielsa trust him, and can he deliver?

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Uruguay clear second favorites in the group at 84.3 percent to advance.

One thing to read. The Uruguay Effect, The Ringer (2022).

Group H: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Mon, Jun 15: Spain vs Cabo Verde, 12:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Mon, Jun 15: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, 6:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Sun, Jun 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Fri, Jun 26: Uruguay vs Spain, 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)

The call.