Spain's listless performance won't cut it against ...

Spain's listless performance won't cut it against better teams at World Cup1hAlex KirklandPulisic looks ready to make his mark on World Cup right when USMNT needs him19hSam BordenUSMNT must heed World Cup lessons learned in loss to Türkiye23hJeff CarlisleHunger, neglect, sexual abuse: Inside Argentina's soccer development system18hSteve FainaruTransfer rumors, news: Man United tracking Mexico's Mora15hESPNA Premier League star who does it all: Why City spent so much to sign Anderson21hRob Dawson and Tor-Kristian KarlsenFrom Brazil to U.S., Spain: Why every round-of-32 team will, won't win FIFA World Cup11hBill ConnellyGrades for every team eliminated from the World Cup, as they exit the tournament13hRyan O'HanlonWhat's it like to face a young phenom like Messi, Bellingham?

21hTom ChambersRevenge for 'Disgrace of Gijón'? 2026 World Cup's biggest grudge match13hLee WingateBacks against the wall, Ecuador conjure World Cup magic in upset of Germany1dJames OlleyIf Japan are dreaming of winning the World Cup, Brazil will be the greatest test1dGabriel TanParis Hilton, Brad Pitt top celebrities at 2026 World Cup1dESPN staffWhere has Infantino been? FIFA president clocks up 24,000 miles on epic World Cup tour2dChris WrightplayMoreno: Spain look nothing like the team that won the Euros (1:56)Alex KirklandJun 26, 2026, 11:25 PM ETMultiple AuthorsEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa had said Luis de la Fuente's Spain play "exquisite" football.

"Much more beautiful than what I've achieved," Bielsa said ahead of this decisive World Cup Group H match.But in Spain's hard-fought 1-0 win on a humid, stormy evening in Guadalajara, Mexico, there wasn't much exquisite football on display.After the euphoria that greeted the 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta -- with Lamine Yamal back and shining in the starting XI -- this game had more in common with Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

This match might have ended goalless, too, were it not for a goalkeeping howler from Uruguay's Fernando Muslera, who spilled Álex Baena's first-half shot into his own net. Bielsa substituted Muslera at halftime at the player's request, according to the coach."No, I didn't take [the decision].

It's a decision Muslera took himself," Bielsa said after the match.Ever since the 2026 World Cup draw was made, this had been one of the most anticipated games of the group stage: The European champions taking on a historical great of South America. The prize on offer for the winning team was supposed to be avoiding Argentina in the round of 32 and ensuring a more comfortable route through the knockout stages.

But Uruguay's draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde had changed the equation. Here, they weren't just fighting for top spot, they were fighting to stay in the tournament. A defeat, and they would be eliminated; even a draw wouldn't guarantee qualification as one of the third-placed teams.

By contrast, Spain's mood was upbeat after their result against Saudi Arabia. The feeling was that this was a team which was steadily growing into the tournament, helped by the return to fitness of Yamal.That progress wasn't on display in Guadalajara.

Instead, this was a false start."Perhaps we weren't as brilliant as we wanted, or as we've shown on other occasions," de la Fuente said after the match. "You cannot do that in football every single time.

But this was an extremely, an extremely demanding match, quite rigorous. We were responsible, we maintained our concentration, our composure, our full strength, and we were trying not to be provocative, as well."De la Fuente made two changes to his starting XI, introducing Marcos Llorente for Pedro Porro at right back and Mikel Merino for Dani Olmo in midfield.

Neither change had a positive impact. Llorente didn't combine as well with Yamal as Porro had against the Saudis, and Olmo's movement between the lines and ability to pick a final ball were missed. The result for most of the game was a disjointed, half-speed Spain.

Bielsa's Uruguay played their part. The veteran coach -- in what will be his last game in charge of Uruguay -- insisted prematch that his side couldn't sit back and defend; they had to go at Spain."Allowing them to play, and giving them a lot of possession, will be in Spain's favor," Bielsa said.

"Spain are worse the less they have of the ball." Uruguay did look to press Spain and disrupt their passing. In the game's first minute, they did just that, forcing an error by pressuring Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

But Spain started to take control, and in the game's quarter, the pattern was set. Spain had 76% possession, but only two shots, neither on target. Uruguay didn't have any.

When the goal came in the 42nd minute, it was thanks to Muslera. Baena's shot should have been saved comfortably. Instead, Muslera palmed it into the corner of the net.

After the break, the game became bad-tempered. A poor tackle on Yamal from Uruguay defender Juan Sanabria saw him