Uruguay vs Spainprediction, odds, kickoff time & how to watch: 2026 World Cup

Uruguay vs Spain is the oldest rivalry in the world game: Europe against South America. Our model makes Spain a heavy favourite (71%), with Uruguay given just 5% and a 24% draw on the cards.

Tactically, Uruguay will want to lean on relentless Bielsa pressing to get at Spain, whose reliance on a fit Rodri is the obvious pressure point. Going the other way, Spain's possession control could punish Uruguay if discipline under Bielsa's intensity goes unaddressed. Expect both coaches, Marcelo Bielsa and Luis de la Fuente, to set up around exactly that battle.

Keep an eye on Darwin Núñez (ST, Al Hilal) and Lamine Yamal (RW, Barcelona): the two most likely to decide it with a moment of quality. By Matchday 3, qualification math is usually on the line, so expect both sides to know exactly what result they need.

Uruguay analysis → Spain analysis →