With 48 teams divided into twelve groups this time, the FIFA World Cup 2026 might not feature the typical ‘Group of Death’, as most top sides have been separated. We still have to wait for four top teams from the European qualifiers, with several contenders in the queue, but for now, Group H appears the most intriguing, consisting of two previous World Cup winners, the side that defeated defending champions Argentina in Qatar, and a nation that drew considerable attention during qualifying. They are Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Here’s what to expect from Group H:
H1: Spain (WR-1)
Fixtures
Vs Cape Verde, 15 June, 9:30 pm, Atlanta Stadium
Vs Saudi Arabia, 21 June, 9:30 pm, Atlanta Stadium
Vs Uruguay, 27 June, 5:30 am, Guadalajara Stadium
Previous best
Champions in 2010
How they qualified
The world No. 1 team qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Group E toppers in the UEFA qualifiers. With 16 points in 6 games and a +19 goal difference, conceding only two, they dominated a group featuring Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria. Turkey now await in the play-offs.
Key Player
Lamine Yamal. This could be his World Cup. The Barcelona youngster has already proved his mettle for the national side in their triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, has been a Ballon d’Or runner-up and plays a significant role in FC Barcelona’s recent resurgence.
Pele did it at 17, Ronaldo Nazario did it at 17, Kylian Mbappe did it at 19. Lamine Yamal might do it at 18.
Likely breakthrough star
This Spanish side reminds many of their 2010 version, arguably the best midfield in the world. With several youngsters dominating club football, it is difficult to pick just one from Gavi, Pedri, Rodri and an array of rising talents.
However, Fermin Lopez could be their breakthrough star. The 22-year-old FC Barcelona attacker, with only five senior international appearances, excelled in Spain’s gold-medal campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scoring six goals, including two in the final against France.
Coaching credentials
Luis de la Fuente, head coach since December 2022, previously managed Spain’s U19, U21 and U23 sides. Many current senior players, including Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, have played under him. Alongside Spain’s traditional possession-based football, de la Fuente has introduced a centre-forward-driven, wing-play system that promises excitement this World Cup.
Realistic expectations
They are strong favourites to win the World Cup. Anything less than a semi-final finish would be unacceptable.
H2: Cape Verde (WR-68)
Fixtures
Vs Spain, 15 June, 9:30 pm, Atlanta Stadium
Vs Uruguay, 22 June, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Vs Saudi Arabia, 27 June, 5:30 am, Houston Stadium
Previous best
Debutants in 2026
How they qualified
In the CAF qualifiers, Cape Verde achieved the extraordinary. Across 10 matches, they earned 23 points and topped Group D. They defeated Cameroon in the return leg after a 4-1 loss in the opener, their only defeat in qualifying.
Key player
Jamiro Monteiro. The 32-year-old PEC Zwolle midfielder is the team’s engine. He scored twice in qualifying and provides vital balance. With 53 caps, he will be central to Cape Verde’s ambitions on the biggest stage.
Likely breakthrough star
Dailon Rocha Livramento. The Casa Pia forward, on loan from Hellas Verona, was instrumental in Cape Verde’s historic campaign. With four goals and a strong all-round presence, the 24-year-old striker shone in key moments, including breaking the deadlock in their must-win game against Eswatini. Standing at 6 feet, he has a major opportunity to attract interest from bigger clubs.
Coaching credentials
Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito has managed Cape Verde since 2020 and previously served as assistant coach. He won the CAF Coach of the Year 2025 after leading the nation to their first World Cup.
Realistic expectations
With Spain and Uruguay in the group, along with Saudi Arabia, the challenge will be steep. However, they are certain to bring passion and determination, backed by an entire nation of 500,000 supporters.
H3: Saudi Arabia (WR-60)
Fixtures
Vs Uruguay, 16 June, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Vs Spain, 21 June, 9:30 pm, Atlanta Stadium
Vs Cape Verde, 27 June, 5:30 am, Houston Stadium
Previous best
Round of 16 in 1994
How they qualified
Saudi Arabia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as AFC Fourth Round Group B winners. They scored more goals than Iraq to finish level on points in the round, securing direct qualification, with Iraq heading to the FIFA Intercontinental Pathway 2 final.
Key player
Salem Al-Dawsari. The Al-Hilal attacker, with more than 100 caps, will once again be pivotal to Saudi Arabia’s attacking play.
Likely breakthrough star
Firas Al-Buraikan. Despite already playing 65 matches for the national side, this World Cup may be his defining moment. At 25, he is best remembered for his match-winning assist against Argentina in Qatar, but has been inconsistent since.
Coaching credentials
Herve Renard returns to the Saudi Arabian national team after a short spell with the French Women’s National Team during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. He was reappointed after Roberto Mancini was dismissed during qualifying.
Realistic expectations
They will compete hard against the group’s heavyweights but are unlikely to progress as one of the top two teams.
H4: Uruguay (WR-16)
Fixtures
Vs Saudi Arabia, 16 June, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Vs Cape Verde, 22 June, 3:30 am, Miami Stadium
Vs Spain, 27 June, 5:30 am, Guadalajara Stadium
Previous best
Champions in 1930, 1950
How they qualified
Uruguay qualified as the fourth-placed side in the CONMEBOL standings behind Argentina, Ecuador and Colombia.
Key players
Federico Valverde of Real Madrid and Darwin Nunez of Al-Hilal will be crucial to Uruguay’s campaign. Both contributed heavily during qualifying and will keep opposition defences under constant pressure.
Likely breakthrough star
Manuel Ugarte, the 24-year-old Manchester United midfielder, adds defensive steel with his tackling ability. Part of the squad in Qatar but unused, he will now aim to make his World Cup debut count.
Coaching credentials
Marcelo Bielsa, appointed in 2023, has rejuvenated Uruguay after their disappointing Qatar campaign. He introduced 14 uncapped players, moving on from veterans such as Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, instilling a high-energy philosophy.
Realistic expectations
They should comfortably reach the Round of 16 and could progress further depending on their knockout draw.
Group Predictions
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia
- Cape Verde
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