Álex Baena Secures Spain's Place in Round of 32 Against Uruguay

Spain arrived in this Group H decider with questions hanging over them. A 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia had been followed by a jarring stalemate with Cape Verde, a result that rattled the rhythm of the newly crowned European champions. Against Uruguay, with automatic passage to the round of 32 on the line, they needed clarity. They got it from Álex Baena.

Forty-two minutes in, the tension finally cracked.

Baena found a pocket of space and let fly, his effort skidding and bouncing awkwardly in front of Fernando Muslera. The Uruguay goalkeeper scrambled across, stretching desperately, but the ball skipped away from him and nestled into the corner. One clean hit, one cruel bounce, and Spain had the 1-0 lead their control of the game demanded.

For La Roja, it felt like more than just the opening goal. It was a release.

Spain came into the night on four points, perched at the top of Group H but still under pressure after that goalless draw with Cape Verde had stalled their early momentum. The equation was simple: win, and the 2010 world champions and 2024 European champions would book an automatic ticket to the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente’s lineup underlined the intent. Unai Simón in goal. A back line of Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. Rodri wearing the armband in midfield, flanked by Mikel Merino and Pedri, tasked with dictating the tempo. Ahead of them, the youthful electricity of Lamine Yamal, the sharp movement of Baena, and the finishing instincts of Mikel Oyarzabal.

The structure was familiar; the urgency was not. Spain moved the ball with their usual precision, but there was an edge to their passing, a refusal to let Uruguay settle. Every misplaced touch from the South Americans drew a red shirt swarming. Every half-chance felt like it might be the one.

Uruguay, for long stretches, clung on. Muslera had already been called into action, his experience keeping his side level as Spain probed from wide areas and through the lines. Just as it seemed the half might end with Spanish frustration building again, Baena struck.

His shot was not the most spectacular Spain have ever scored on this stage, but in the context of the group it carried enormous weight. The ball’s bounce in front of Muslera turned a routine save into a nightmare, and the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm came up just short as the net rippled and Spanish players wheeled away in relief and celebration.

The goal restored a familiar feeling around this team. The same core that lifted the European Championship in 2024 now stands on the brink of another deep run, and Group H is bending to their will. Four points already banked from the 0-0 against Cape Verde and the 4-0 over Saudi Arabia, and now a crucial advantage against Uruguay in a match that could define their route through the tournament.

Spain’s group campaign reads cleanly enough: June 15, a stalemate that stunned neutrals; June 21, a statement win; June 26, a high-stakes clash with Uruguay that demanded nerve and quality. Baena provided both with one swing of his boot.

If La Roja can turn this lead into the victory they crave, the round of 32 awaits—and with it the sense that a team already crowned kings of Europe might be building toward something even bigger on American soil.