2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, bringing together national teams from across the globe. Group H features Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. This article breaks down each squad, key players, coaches, tournament histories, and analyst predictions for their chances in the competition.
Group H Teams
Spain enters as one of the group favorites and will open its campaign against Cape Verde. Head coach Luis de la Fuente left out every player from Real Madrid, instead calling up eight representatives from Barcelona. Among the standout names are 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and Pedri, both from Barça. The squad also includes Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner from Manchester City, and Fabián Ruiz of Paris Saint-Germain. According to Opta Analyst, Spain has a 98.50% probability of reaching the knockout stage, with a projected 7.21 points.
Cape Verde makes its World Cup debut as a complete newcomer. The team is managed by local coach Bubista. With a population of roughly half a million, Cape Verde lost only once in qualifying, finishing four points ahead of Cameroon. Key player Dailon Livramento topped the group's scoring charts with four goals. The squad draws players from leagues in Portugal, Spain, Russia, Turkey, and beyond. Opta Analyst gives Cape Verde a 2.26% chance of advancing, with 2.26 projected points.
Saudi Arabia first appeared at a World Cup in 1994 and now returns for its third consecutive tournament. Georgios Donis serves as head coach, with captain Salem Al-Dawsari—who scored 10 goals last season—leading the side. The team famously beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Analysts estimate a 36.89% probability of advancing, with 2.40 projected points.
Uruguay, a two-time world champion, aims for success in Group H under Marcelo Bielsa. The team impressed in qualifying with wins over Argentina and Brazil but also suffered losses to Paraguay and Peru. Veteran striker Luis Suárez, now 39, remains in the squad. Opta Analyst projects Uruguay to earn 4.96 points, with an 86.32% chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Group H of the 2026 World Cup shapes up as a competitive mix of teams with varying international experience. Spain and Uruguay, traditional powerhouses, are strong contenders to advance, while debutants Cape Verde will look to cause an upset. Saudi Arabia, building on past achievements, also aims to progress. This blend of ambition and unpredictability adds intrigue and raises the stakes for every match in the group.
As Spain prepares for the upcoming tournament, it's interesting to note that another prominent team, Uruguay, has also made headlines with its squad announcement. The absence of legendary striker Suárez has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions about the team's strategy moving forward. To learn more about Uruguay's 2026 World Cup lineup and the implications of this decision, read our detailed coverage here.