Álex Baena's Goal Sparks Spain's World Cup Campaign
Álex Baena picked his moment.
Forty-two minutes into a tense, knife-edge Group H clash with Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, the Spain midfielder struck the goal that could tilt an entire campaign. One swing, one awkward bounce, one misjudgment from Fernando Muslera – and La Roja suddenly had the advantage they desperately needed.
The move didn’t need to be spectacular. It just needed to be decisive. Baena’s effort skipped toward Muslera, the veteran Uruguay goalkeeper slow to get down as the ball kissed the corner of the net. Spain’s bench erupted. On the touchline, relief mixed with expectation.
Spain led 1-0, and the equation was clear: win, and progression to the round of 32 comes automatically.
This is not a Spain side drifting through the group stage. They arrived at this match perched on top of Group H with four points, but the path has been anything but smooth. A ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Saudi Arabia had hinted at a familiar, flowing Spain. The goalless draw with Cape Verde, though, jolted them. A reminder that even European champions can stall.
So the meeting with Uruguay carried weight. History on one side, jeopardy on the other.
Luis de la Fuente sent out a lineup built to control and to hurt. Unai Simón in goal. A back four of Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. Rodri, wearing the armband, anchoring midfield alongside Mikel Merino and Pedri. Ahead of them, the daring blend of youth and invention: Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
It is a spine that carries echoes of Spain’s golden eras. World champions in 2010, European champions again in 2024, they now chase another deep World Cup run with a squad that marries tournament scars and teenage fearlessness.
Group-Stage Story
- June 15: a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, chances wasted and questions asked.
- June 21: a commanding 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, statement made.
- June 26: Uruguay, the pivotal night.
Baena’s goal shifted the mood. Spain, already leading the group, tightened their grip on qualification. Every pass from Rodri, every surge from Pedri, every touch from Yamal suddenly carried less anxiety and more authority.
This is what major tournaments demand: not just artistry, but moments. Spain have their platform now. The knockout rounds loom, the bracket taking shape, and La Roja are positioning themselves exactly where a champion expects to be.
