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After two match days, : Spain is leading with authority and only a significant surprise would eliminate them. Uruguay, the surprising Cabo Verde, and Saudi Arabia still have chances to advance, keeping the group very competitive.
What the first two days left behind
The group's kickoff was a surprise. On June 15, Spain was unable to break through the Cabo Verde block at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, resulting in a scoreless draw that raised alarms despite holding 74% possession and 25 shots. For the islanders, that point was historic: their first in a World Cup during their absolute debut. In the other match of the day, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in Miami Gardens.
This Sunday, the game changed. Spain responded with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia in Atlanta: Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal netted a brace in the 21st and 24th minutes, and an own goal from Hassan Al Tambakti in the 49th minute sealed the deal. La Roja dominated with 67% possession and 22 shots, accumulating four goals in favor and none against in the tournament.
In parallel, Uruguay and Cape Verde staged the most thrilling match of the group, ending in a 2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Kevin Pina put the islanders ahead in the 20th minute, Maximiliano Araujo equalized for Uruguay in the 43rd minute, Agustín Canobbio made it 2-1 in the 50th minute, and Hélio Varela salvaged the draw for Cape Verde around the 60th minute.
The standings after two rounds
Spain leads with 4 points and a goal difference of +4. Uruguay and Cape Verde share the second and third place with 2 points each and a goal difference of zero. Saudi Arabia is at the bottom with 1 point and a goal difference of -4.
The scenarios for matchday 3
The four teams will play simultaneously on Friday, June 27 at 8:00 PM Cuba time: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium in Houston (7:00 PM local time), and Uruguay vs. Spain at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara (6:00 PM local time). The simultaneous format is FIFA's standard to prevent agreements between teams.
Spain arrives without the pressure of qualification, but with the leadership at stake. A victory or a draw against Uruguay guarantees them the top spot; a defeat could hand the lead to La Celeste if the Uruguayans win.
Uruguay needs to at least not lose to secure second place. If it wins, it finishes first. If it loses, it depends on the outcomes of Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Cabo Verde has the most exciting scenario: if it defeats Saudi Arabia, it can reach 5 points, which could even open the door to leading the group if Spain loses to Uruguay. Beyond that, a victory would strengthen its candidacy as the best third-placed team against the other groups in the tournament.
Saudi Arabia is required to win to enhance its chances, but a Uruguayan defeat combined with its own victory over Cape Verde would secure the second spot.
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