Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico, eliminating the South American side from the tournament and advancing to the knockout stage. The match's decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Álex Baena scored after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was unable to effectively clear a shot from inside the penalty area. This error marked Muslera’s third goalkeeping mistake of the competition.

The defeat concluded Uruguay’s campaign without a single win across their three Group H matches, underscoring a challenging tournament for the South American team. Spain, the reigning European champions, finished atop Group H with seven points and will next face the runner-up of Group J, which could be either Austria or Algeria. The upcoming match is scheduled for Thursday at SoFi Stadium in the United States.

Muslera, 40, who has been a veteran presence for Uruguay during the tournament, was a focal point in the team's defensive struggles. His performance raised concerns as his errors directly contributed to the team’s elimination. Despite Uruguay’s efforts, they were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities, and Spain maintained a disciplined defensive posture throughout the game.

Spain’s advancement continues their strong run in the tournament, reflecting their experience and tactical execution. Meanwhile, Uruguay will be returning home earlier than anticipated, facing scrutiny over their performance and defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly.