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ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 26: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 at World Cup 2026 on Friday to secure their place in the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group H.
La Roja will now go on to play either Austria or Algeria in the first knockout round at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 2nd.
The two sides play later today and are vying for the runners-up spot in Group H behind winners Argentina. Yet there’s a theory that both teams would probably rather finish third.
While second place in the group will secure a game against Spain, third place will bring a potentially easier match-up.
Both managers have been asked about the scenario and denied they wanted to avoid winning their final group game.
“No, definitely not,” said Austria boss Ralf Rangnick. “Once we start we will know but it will not influence our match. … If we have a draw tomorrow, we can go on, but we cannot go into a match and just say, ‘We’ll play for a draw.'”
Algeira coach Vladimir Petkovic also said his team will be going for the win.
“There is no ‘if’ or ‘but’ in football, we have to face our opponents always the same way, with a strong desire to perform well and a great will to win,” he said. “We’ll see what happens after the match, but to advance and realize our ambitions we must first earn it by trying to win the game.”
Who would you rather see Spain face in the Round of 32? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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