Uruguay face qualified Spain with their World Cup hopes on the line

Uruguay welcome a qualified Spain to the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, on 26 June in a Group H decider that means everything to the two-time world champions. Spain, already through to the Round of 32, will aim to secure top spot, while Uruguay must dig in to keep their campaign alive.

The equation

Spain top the group with four points and a win would guarantee first place; even a draw would all but seal it. Uruguay, on two points after a draw with Saudi Arabia and a thrilling 2-2 with Cape Verde, know a victory would almost certainly take them through and could even challenge for top spot, while defeat could end their World Cup early depending on events in Houston.

Form and key men

Spain have looked imperious since their opening stumble, with teenager Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal in fine scoring form. Uruguay have created chances aplenty, racking up 27 shots in each of their first two games, and will lean on Maximiliano Araujo, Agustin Canobbio and the experience of Rodrigo Bentancur.

Prediction

Spain's depth and confidence make them favourites, but Uruguay's desperation and attacking volume should produce goals. A 2-1 Spain win that still leaves Uruguay sweating on the Cape Verde result is a plausible outcome in a charged finale.