ZAPOPAN, Mexico — Spain and Uruguay, two nations with a combined six World Cup titles between them, will close out Group H play on Friday in a match that carries far heavier stakes for one side than the other.

Spain enters the Estadio Akron in firm control of the group, while Uruguay arrives needing a win simply to guarantee its survival in the tournament — a reversal of expectations for a team that has historically been one of South American football's most consistent performers on the world stage.

Spain in control entering the finale

The reigning European champion has needed only one match to fully assert itself in Group H. Spain opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde in Atlanta before following it up with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, also in Atlanta on June 21.

That result over Saudi Arabia did more than pad the goal difference column — it was a statement performance that effectively settled the group's destiny barring a major upset. Spain's four-point, plus-four goal differential standing heading into the final matchday is as comfortable as it gets, with a win over Uruguay clinching the group outright and a draw likely doing the same.

The team's resurgence has coincided with the return of its most dynamic attacking weapon. Spain's recent victory over Saudi Arabia underlined the squad's attacking depth, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal scoring a spectacular goal in that match and forming the centerpiece of head coach Luis de la Fuente's transitional........

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