Alex Baena Leads Spain Past Uruguay as Rival Valverde Misses the Knockout Stage

Spain met its first objective at the 2026 World Cup by beating Uruguay 1-0 overnight Friday to Saturday and finishing top of the group, setting up a likely round-of-16 meeting with Austria. Spain did not play especially well, but Alex Baena scored the only goal in the 42nd minute after a major mistake by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was later substituted at halftime after another error.

Spanish media praised the pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Marcos Llorente in defense, and Spain’s ability to win despite a subdued game from Lamine Yamal. One columnist called Baena “the diamond of Spain,” adding that Luis de la Fuente had turned him into “Spain’s new star.” Baena, who was left on the bench in the 0-0 draw with Uruguay but kept his place after Spain’s 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia, was described as the team’s most committed player from the start, moving between the lines and threatening goal.

Baena also drew attention in Spain because of his feud with Uruguay and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. In their last club meeting, Valverde was sent off for a hard foul on Baena, and in 2023 he reportedly struck him in a parking lot after Real Madrid lost to Baena’s former club Villarreal. People around Valverde claimed Baena had taunted him about his partner’s miscarriage.

Valverde was unexpectedly substituted in the 57th minute, even though a goal could have sent Uruguay through, which sparked questions in Uruguay. Luis Suárez said, “That is the worst tactic I have seen in a decade. You need him, Bielsa caused the loss. His face said it all.” At the same time, Uruguay’s defensive approach under Marcelo Bielsa was praised for repeatedly pressuring Yamal, but the praise did not prevent a surprise group-stage elimination.