Group H of the 2026 World Cup brings together one of the tournament favourites, a South American giant, an ambitious Asian challenger and one of the World Cup’s most intriguing underdogs.
On paper, Spain and Uruguay look best placed to progress. However, the expanded 48-team format means every point could prove crucial as Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde chase a historic place in the knockout rounds.
Spain arrive in North America carrying the weight of expectation after winning the European Championship in 2024. As a result, they enter the tournament as one of the standout favourites.
Uruguay will also be confident of matching anyone on their day thanks to their blend of experience and emerging talent.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will be eager to build on their growing reputation on the global stage. Cape Verde, on the other hand, will relish the opportunity to upset the established order in their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Who is in World Cup Group H?
Group H of the 2026 World Cup is made up of Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The group features tournament favourites alongside competition debutants.
Spain enter the tournament as the clear favourites after establishing themselves as one of the strongest international sides in world football.
La Roja will be expected to top the group. However, they will face a stern challenge from Uruguay, a nation with a rich World Cup history and a squad capable of troubling any opponent.
Saudi Arabia will be aiming to build on the progress they have made in recent tournaments. They will also look to prove they can compete consistently against elite opposition on the world stage.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde arrive as one of the tournament’s most intriguing outsiders. They will hope to make history and spring a surprise against more established footballing nations.
What are the latest Group H odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at time of writing.
Spain: 1/6 (1.166)
Cabo Verde: 40/1 (41.00)
Saudi Arabia: 20/1 (21.00)
Uruguay: 17/4 (5.25)
What are the Group H fixtures?
- June 15: Spain vs Cabo Verde, Atalanta Stadium
- June 15: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, Miami Stadium
- June 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Atalanta Stadium
- June 21: Uruguay vs Cabo Verde, Miami Stadium
- June 27: Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia, Houston Stadium
- June 27: Uruguay vs Spain, Guadalajara Stadium
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Who are the key players in Group H?
Spain: Lamine Yamal
Spain’s squad is packed with talent, but few players generate as much excitement as Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal.
Despite still being a teenager, Yamal has already established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in world football. His pace, creativity and ability to unlock stubborn defences make him a constant threat whenever he gets on the ball.
In a group where Spain are likely to dominate possession, Yamal could be the player who turns control into goals and helps La Roja secure top spot.
Uruguay: Federico Valverde
When it comes to Uruguay, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde is impossible to ignore.
The dynamic midfielder is the engine of Marcelo Bielsa’s side and can influence games all over the pitch. Whether he is breaking up opposition attacks, driving his team forward or contributing goals from midfield, Valverde does it all.
With Uruguay likely to battle Spain for first place in Group H, Valverde’s leadership and consistency could prove crucial throughout the group stage.
Saudi Arabia: Salem Al-Dawsari
Saudi Arabia’s biggest star remains captain Salem Al-Dawsari.
The winger became a national hero after scoring the winning goal against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Since then, he has remained the team’s most important attacking outlet.
If Saudi Arabia are to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds, they will need Al-Dawsari to provide moments of quality against stronger opposition and inspire the side in the biggest matches.
Cape Verde: Ryan Mendes
For Cape Verde, veteran forward Ryan Mendes is expected to play a leading role.
The captain brings a wealth of international experience and has been one of the driving forces behind the nation’s rise on the international stage. In addition, his ability to create chances, score important goals and lead by example will be vital.
As the outsiders in Group H, Cape Verde will need their experienced skipper at his very best if they are to compete with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
What are the best bets for Group H?
Spain to win the 2026 World Cup
If you’re looking for a long-term outright bet from Group H, Spain to win the World Cup stands out as one of the strongest options available.
The reigning European champions head into the tournament as one of the bookmakers’ favourites. They are widely viewed as the team to beat thanks to their blend of elite experience and exciting young talent.
Several betting models and bookmakers have Spain among the leading contenders to lift the trophy. Therefore, they are a logical pick for anyone looking beyond the group stage.
Saudi Arabia to qualify for the knockouts
This selection is a little bolder than backing Spain to win the tournament.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Saudi Arabia were drawn in a group with eventual champions Argentina and famously beat them.
Although they finished bottom of the group after defeats to Mexico and Poland, that result showed what they are capable of. If they can beat Cabo Verde and take points from either Uruguay or Spain, they could be well placed to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mikel Oyarzabal to win the Golden Boot
Most of the attention may be on Lamine Yamal, but Mikel Oyarzabal was Spain’s top scorer during qualifying.
Spain are more than capable of scoring heavily against the teams in their group. Because of that, Oyarzabal could quickly build an impressive goal tally.
Furthermore, if Spain make a deep run in the tournament as expected, his goals could prove decisive in the race for the Golden Boot.
Who will qualify from Group H?
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia
- Cabo Verde
Spain will win the whole tournament for me. They are the most complete team in the competition and possess an excellent balance of youth and experience throughout the squad.
Uruguay are one of those sides that nobody enjoys playing against. They fight for every ball and compete relentlessly. While it may not always be pretty, it is often effective.
That leaves Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde. Saudi Arabia have valuable World Cup experience, and I believe that could make a significant difference in a tightly contested group.
Cabo Verde have done tremendously well to reach this stage, and nobody should assume they are simply happy to be there. However, they lack the overall quality of the other teams in the group. Combined with a lack of tournament experience, that may leave them struggling to keep pace with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
- – World Cup Group L preview: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama
