The four teams in Group H can still advance to the round of 16 of the World Cup, with Spain facing Uruguay and Cape Verde trying to make history against Saudi Arabia. Tournament favorites Spain showed their strength by beating Saudi Arabia 4-0, with the return of Lamine Yamal being decisive. La Roja are at the top of the group with four points. However, the story of Group H so far has undoubtedly been Cape Verde, who followed up their shock 0-0 draw with Spain by a thrilling 2-2 against Uruguay. Cape Verde's goalkeeper, Vozinha, has been one of the great figures of the World Cup so far. The World Cup debutants can advance to the round of 16 against Saudi Arabia, who also have a lot at stake. Uruguay, meanwhile, are under pressure as they face Spain, with Marcelo Bielsa's side on the brink of a shock group stage exit after two draws so far. Here is all the information you need about the Group H qualification possibilities:
Spain will secure first place in Group H with a win over Uruguay, or a draw — unless Cape Verde beats Saudi Arabia by four goals. Spain could also lose first place to Uruguay if they lose to Marcelo Bielsa's team, and could even drop to third place if they lose and Cape Verde win. However, Spain will be sure to progress as one of the best teams in third place. If Spain loses but Saudi Arabia beats Cape Verde, Spain will finish second due to head-to-head.
Uruguay needs to avoid defeat. A point would put Uruguay on three points, maintaining an equal goal difference after three draws, which will probably be enough to progress as one of the best teams in third place, even if one of the teams, Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia, wins. Uruguay would finish in second place with a draw, if there is also no winner in the game between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. However, a defeat would eliminate Uruguay, as two points are not enough and at least one of the teams, Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia, will surpass the three-point mark.
Cape Verde needs to win to guarantee passage, while a draw could also be enough. A defeat will mean elimination. Saudi Arabia must win; any other result will not be enough. Four points, even with a negative goal difference, should be enough if Uruguay beat Spain and finish third. If the teams finish with the same number of points, the classification will be determined by the head-to-head record. In the event of a tie, a mini-league will be created, excluding results against the other teams, and the tied teams will be classified by the points achieved in the games between them, followed by the goal difference and, finally, by the goals scored. If the teams are still tied, the next criterion will be the goal difference followed by the goals scored in the group. If the teams remain tied after these criteria, the Fair Play Score (TCS) will be considered, which is a record of accumulated penalties. Finally, if the teams are still tied, the classification will be decided based on the June FIFA rankings. The eight best third-placed teams will be decided by the teams that accumulate the most points. If eight or more nations finish in third place with the same number of points, those that progress will be determined by goal difference.