by Craig Laycock
Original article:
Group H Preview
Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
World Rankings:
Spain 2nd
Uruguay 17th
Saudi Arabia 61st
Cape Verde 69th
GROUP STRENGTH
Group H is theoretically the 2nd weakest group, even when accounting for Spain dragging the average up with their world ranking of 2nd place.
Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde could both be labelled as strugglers here, with Cape Verde the 5th weakest side in the competition and Saudi Arabia the 8th weakest based on world rankings.
The spread of rankings between the “top two” on rankings and Saudi Arabia / Cape Verde suggests this could be a clean 1-2 for Spain and Uruguay. But does the theory match the reality? We dig into it.
***
Spain
Topping off qualifying group E with consummate ease, Spain won 5 and drew 1 on the way to securing qualification, in a group which featured our tournament picks Türkiye. On the qualification form alone, you’d be scared to face Spain. Throw in their impeccable tournament history and there’s reason to be very, very afraid of the team ranked 2nd in the world.
This marks the first year in World Cup history that Spain has named a squad without a single Real Madrid player in their midst.
Play style:
Spain have evolved their play style over the past few years, from a ponderous “boring, boring Spain” tiki-taka to something more akin to an aggressive, vertical side employing speed and technicality to undo opponents quickly. The use of wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams has been seen to devastating effect in recent years. As an England fan, I’m all too familiar with it as Spain triumphed over England two years ago in the Euro 2024 final.
As well as their power and pace on the wings, insanely talented midfielders like Pedri or Dani Olmo are often seen making cameos in the box, completely overwhelming opposition defences with a storm of attacking runs - with the bonus that Spain’s technical finishing skills are among the best in the world.
They’re also impeccable at the counter-press. Losing the ball isn’t a problem for Spain, they’ll just win it back in record time, and before you know it you’re facing the most devastating counter attack you’ve seen.
Rodri sits as the anchor and conducts the whole orchestra like prime Pirlo, allowing the full backs to get forward in complete confidence that he’s got everything covered. You don’t often see him being caught out, to be fair.
No hyperbole, Spain are massive contenders and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy.
Expected formation:
4-3-3.
Chances:
They should saunter to a group win and may even go on to win the whole competition. 17th ranked Uruguay won’t present a significant barrier and I think Spain will win all of their group games.
***
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay enter the 2026 World Cup having finalised their place with a 3-0 win over Peru. They finished 4th in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, one place above Brazil and behind Colombia, Ecuador and group winners Argentina.
There’s every reason to think Uruguay can clear their group, especially in light of their favourable draw, with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde being an order of magnitude off the pace in terms of quality on paper. But you can never discount an upset, especially given the nature of Uruguay’s all-action play style.
Play style:
They’re gung-ho getting forwards, and rely on recovery pace to try to get them out of sticky situations. Their physical stamina has been questioned based on an aggressive Bielsa strategy of committing multiple players forward to create overloads. That requires intensive work to undo overcommitment if players are caught on the break, and puts extra pressure on the centre backs.
In matches during qualification, players faded later in games, and that will probably heavily impact their chances of making a mark on the later stages of the competition
Bielsa persists with a close man-to-man marking system, which can be exploited by very fluid and mobile teams. Spain being a perfect example.
Expected formation:
4-3-3, ultra-aggressive, very high tempo. They will not sit on the ball and make sideways passes, but instead try to move it forwards as quickly as they can by any means necessary. Usually they rely on the flanks, with full backs creating overloads and 2v1 situations, and quick crosses from deep or the byline causing pandemonium for opposition defences.
Chances:
I expect they will clear the group without too many difficulties by finishing in 2nd. There’s a persistent nagging feeling that their players are being asked to do too much, however, and that fatigue could feature prominently at a scorching hot world cup.
***
Saudi Arabia
Under familiar face Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia struggled to make an impact in their round 3 qualification group, finishing behind Australia and Japan and needing the playoffs to aid their cause. After just 7 wins in 18 matches, Mancini left by mutual consent and Hervé Renard was rehired to navigate their remaining games.
But navigate them they did, and wins over Indonesia and a draw against Iraq were enough to see them get through based on a superior goals-scored tiebreaker. Talk about cutting it fine.
But there was more drama to follow as Saudi Arabia then sacked Hervé Renard and employed Greek manager Georgios Donis. The change of manager comes with a change of style, and Saudi Arabia are desperately trying to reshuffle to organise themselves as a defensive-first outfit in the face of this nightmarishly difficult group.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2026 managerial pipeline. Maybe hire another for shits and giggles?
Play style:
Donis is trying to turn them into a nightmare to play against. But the promise might not match the reality, with Saudi Arabia’s change of playstyle causing a rapid identity crisis that they will need to get their heads around right before the tournament starts.
They’ll switch to five at the back and play a deep, low block, with the intent of absorbing pressure. Kanno in midfield will anchor things, and then they’ll try quick passing combinations to play their way out from the back on the counter.
I have my doubts that the team is technical enough to achieve rapid transitions, and we might end up seeing a side that is trying to not get beaten first and foremost. It could be dour.
Expected formation:
5-4-1 and they’ll look to the wide areas on the transition. Expect to see Alem Al-Dawsari cutting in from the left on the break, but also expect to see him smothered by the capable defence of Spain. Against Bielsa’s Uruguay they may have a chance of grabbing a goal, but only if Uruguay overcommit against the low block.
Chances:
They’re changing style right before the tournament, they’ve chewed through a couple of managers to get here, they lack individual quality and they are up against Spain and Uruguay. I rate their chances of finishing in the top 2 almost zero, and I also doubt that if they finish 3rd they’ll be one of the top 8 third placed teams. I think they’re going out at the group stage.
***
Cape Verde
We love a World Cup underdog tale here at The Tournament Scout. Cape Verde are the second-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a World Cup, thanks partly to the expanded format, but also thanks to their steel during qualifying.
They managed 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat in their campaign, finishing four points clear of Cameroon to top their group. They won every single home match without conceding a goal.
A blistering 3-0 win over Eswatini had the fans in raptures as they came across the line and triggered an outpouring of national support and pride. It’s a thing of beauty.
But, they couldn’t have had a harder reality check, with Spain and Uruguay drawn in their group. Realistically they’ll be hoping to stay in games and grab chances if they arise.
Play style:
They’re very disciplined and build their identity on a steely defence. They play compact football and look to play direct on the counter with full backs pressing to try to win the ball back if the opposition tries to move play to the flanks. Key players include veterans Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes, and Dailon Livaramento up front.
They never look to dominate play, and the natural style they’re accustomed to probably fits them best in this group as they’re used to being the underdogs. If Saudi Arabia don’t have their ducks in a row, Cape Verde could challenge for a surprise 3rd placed finish - it only takes one moment or breakaway for Cape Verde to deal damage and then sit deep.
Expected formation:
4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It’ll be compact. They’ll allow the opposition to have the ball and will try to deny passing lanes and space. They won’t leave any room between their defensive and midfield lanes, so it’ll be like wading through molasses for many opposition teams looking to break through.
Chances:
I think they’ll struggle in what is a stunningly difficult gulf to bridge between the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th teams. If things go well for them and Saudi Arabia throw it away while adapting to their newest system there’s a chance they could cause an upset in that head to head and grab 3rd place.
The Tournament Scout’s Prediction
Spain win the group without dropping any points
Uruguay see off Saudi and Cape Verde to finish 2nd
Cape Verde sneak a win against Saudi to finish 3rd
Saudi Arabia down and out in 4th
20 min read
Group H Preview: Saudi chaos, Spanish quality
How many managers can one team have?
20 min read
Group H Preview
Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
World Rankings:
Spain 2nd
Uruguay 17th
Saudi Arabia 61st
Cape Verde 69th
GROUP STRENGTH
Group H is theoretically the 2nd weakest group, even when accounting for Spain dragging the average up with their world ranking of 2nd place.
Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde could both be labelled as strugglers here, with Cape Verde the 5th weakest side in the competition and Saudi Arabia the 8th weakest based on world rankings.
The spread of rankings between the “top two” on rankings and Saudi Arabia / Cape Verde suggests this could be a clean 1-2 for Spain and Uruguay. But does the theory match the reality? We dig into it.
***
Spain
Topping off qualifying group E with consummate ease, Spain won 5 and drew 1 on the way to securing qualification, in a group which featured our tournament picks Türkiye. On the qualification form alone, you’d be scared to face Spain. Throw in their impeccable tournament history and there’s reason to be very, very afraid of the team ranked 2nd in the world.
This marks the first year in World Cup history that Spain has named a squad without a single Real Madrid player in their midst.
Play style:
Spain have evolved their play style over the past few years, from a ponderous “boring, boring Spain” tiki-taka to something more akin to an aggressive, vertical side employing speed and technicality to undo opponents quickly. The use of wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams has been seen to devastating effect in recent years. As an England fan, I’m all too familiar with it as Spain triumphed over England two years ago in the Euro 2024 final.
As well as their power and pace on the wings, insanely talented midfielders like Pedri or Dani Olmo are often seen making cameos in the box, completely overwhelming opposition defences with a storm of attacking runs - with the bonus that Spain’s technical finishing skills are among the best in the world.
They’re also impeccable at the counter-press. Losing the ball isn’t a problem for Spain, they’ll just win it back in record time, and before you know it you’re facing the most devastating counter attack you’ve seen.
Rodri sits as the anchor and conducts the whole orchestra like prime Pirlo, allowing the full backs to get forward in complete confidence that he’s got everything covered. You don’t often see him being caught out, to be fair.
No hyperbole, Spain are massive contenders and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy.
Expected formation:
4-3-3.
Chances:
They should saunter to a group win and may even go on to win the whole competition. 17th ranked Uruguay won’t present a significant barrier and I think Spain will win all of their group games.
***
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay enter the 2026 World Cup having finalised their place with a 3-0 win over Peru. They finished 4th in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, one place above Brazil and behind Colombia, Ecuador and group winners Argentina.
There’s every reason to think Uruguay can clear their group, especially in light of their favourable draw, with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde being an order of magnitude off the pace in terms of quality on paper. But you can never discount an upset, especially given the nature of Uruguay’s all-action play style.
Play style:
They’re gung-ho getting forwards, and rely on recovery pace to try to get them out of sticky situations. Their physical stamina has been questioned based on an aggressive Bielsa strategy of committing multiple players forward to create overloads. That requires intensive work to undo overcommitment if players are caught on the break, and puts extra pressure on the centre backs.
In matches during qualification, players faded later in games, and that will probably heavily impact their chances of making a mark on the later stages of the competition
Bielsa persists with a close man-to-man marking system, which can be exploited by very fluid and mobile teams. Spain being a perfect example.
Expected formation:
4-3-3, ultra-aggressive, very high tempo. They will not sit on the ball and make sideways passes, but instead try to move it forwards as quickly as they can by any means necessary. Usually they rely on the flanks, with full backs creating overloads and 2v1 situations, and quick crosses from deep or the byline causing pandemonium for opposition defences.
Chances:
I expect they will clear the group without too many difficulties by finishing in 2nd. There’s a persistent nagging feeling that their players are being asked to do too much, however, and that fatigue could feature prominently at a scorching hot world cup.
***
Saudi Arabia
Under familiar face Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia struggled to make an impact in their round 3 qualification group, finishing behind Australia and Japan and needing the playoffs to aid their cause. After just 7 wins in 18 matches, Mancini left by mutual consent and Hervé Renard was rehired to navigate their remaining games.
But navigate them they did, and wins over Indonesia and a draw against Iraq were enough to see them get through based on a superior goals-scored tiebreaker. Talk about cutting it fine.
But there was more drama to follow as Saudi Arabia then sacked Hervé Renard and employed Greek manager Georgios Donis. The change of manager comes with a change of style, and Saudi Arabia are desperately trying to reshuffle to organise themselves as a defensive-first outfit in the face of this nightmarishly difficult group.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2026 managerial pipeline. Maybe hire another for shits and giggles?
Play style:
Donis is trying to turn them into a nightmare to play against. But the promise might not match the reality, with Saudi Arabia’s change of playstyle causing a rapid identity crisis that they will need to get their heads around right before the tournament starts.
They’ll switch to five at the back and play a deep, low block, with the intent of absorbing pressure. Kanno in midfield will anchor things, and then they’ll try quick passing combinations to play their way out from the back on the counter.
I have my doubts that the team is technical enough to achieve rapid transitions, and we might end up seeing a side that is trying to not get beaten first and foremost. It could be dour.
Expected formation:
5-4-1 and they’ll look to the wide areas on the transition. Expect to see Alem Al-Dawsari cutting in from the left on the break, but also expect to see him smothered by the capable defence of Spain. Against Bielsa’s Uruguay they may have a chance of grabbing a goal, but only if Uruguay overcommit against the low block.
Chances:
They’re changing style right before the tournament, they’ve chewed through a couple of managers to get here, they lack individual quality and they are up against Spain and Uruguay. I rate their chances of finishing in the top 2 almost zero, and I also doubt that if they finish 3rd they’ll be one of the top 8 third placed teams. I think they’re going out at the group stage.
***
Cape Verde
We love a World Cup underdog tale here at The Tournament Scout. Cape Verde are the second-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a World Cup, thanks partly to the expanded format, but also thanks to their steel during qualifying.
They managed 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat in their campaign, finishing four points clear of Cameroon to top their group. They won every single home match without conceding a goal.
A blistering 3-0 win over Eswatini had the fans in raptures as they came across the line and triggered an outpouring of national support and pride. It’s a thing of beauty.
But, they couldn’t have had a harder reality check, with Spain and Uruguay drawn in their group. Realistically they’ll be hoping to stay in games and grab chances if they arise.
Play style:
They’re very disciplined and build their identity on a steely defence. They play compact football and look to play direct on the counter with full backs pressing to try to win the ball back if the opposition tries to move play to the flanks. Key players include veterans Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes, and Dailon Livaramento up front.
They never look to dominate play, and the natural style they’re accustomed to probably fits them best in this group as they’re used to being the underdogs. If Saudi Arabia don’t have their ducks in a row, Cape Verde could challenge for a surprise 3rd placed finish - it only takes one moment or breakaway for Cape Verde to deal damage and then sit deep.
Expected formation:
4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It’ll be compact. They’ll allow the opposition to have the ball and will try to deny passing lanes and space. They won’t leave any room between their defensive and midfield lanes, so it’ll be like wading through molasses for many opposition teams looking to break through.
Chances:
I think they’ll struggle in what is a stunningly difficult gulf to bridge between the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th teams. If things go well for them and Saudi Arabia throw it away while adapting to their newest system there’s a chance they could cause an upset in that head to head and grab 3rd place.
The Tournament Scout’s Prediction
Spain win the group without dropping any points
Uruguay see off Saudi and Cape Verde to finish 2nd
Cape Verde sneak a win against Saudi to finish 3rd
Saudi Arabia down and out in 4th
Group H Preview: Saudi chaos, Spanish quality
How many managers can one team have?
Original article:
Last updated:
Group H Preview
Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
World Rankings:
Spain 2nd
Uruguay 17th
Saudi Arabia 61st
Cape Verde 69th
GROUP STRENGTH
Group H is theoretically the 2nd weakest group, even when accounting for Spain dragging the average up with their world ranking of 2nd place.
Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde could both be labelled as strugglers here, with Cape Verde the 5th weakest side in the competition and Saudi Arabia the 8th weakest based on world rankings.
The spread of rankings between the “top two” on rankings and Saudi Arabia / Cape Verde suggests this could be a clean 1-2 for Spain and Uruguay. But does the theory match the reality? We dig into it.
***
Spain
Topping off qualifying group E with consummate ease, Spain won 5 and drew 1 on the way to securing qualification, in a group which featured our tournament picks Türkiye. On the qualification form alone, you’d be scared to face Spain. Throw in their impeccable tournament history and there’s reason to be very, very afraid of the team ranked 2nd in the world.
This marks the first year in World Cup history that Spain has named a squad without a single Real Madrid player in their midst.
Play style:
Spain have evolved their play style over the past few years, from a ponderous “boring, boring Spain” tiki-taka to something more akin to an aggressive, vertical side employing speed and technicality to undo opponents quickly. The use of wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams has been seen to devastating effect in recent years. As an England fan, I’m all too familiar with it as Spain triumphed over England two years ago in the Euro 2024 final.
As well as their power and pace on the wings, insanely talented midfielders like Pedri or Dani Olmo are often seen making cameos in the box, completely overwhelming opposition defences with a storm of attacking runs - with the bonus that Spain’s technical finishing skills are among the best in the world.
They’re also impeccable at the counter-press. Losing the ball isn’t a problem for Spain, they’ll just win it back in record time, and before you know it you’re facing the most devastating counter attack you’ve seen.
Rodri sits as the anchor and conducts the whole orchestra like prime Pirlo, allowing the full backs to get forward in complete confidence that he’s got everything covered. You don’t often see him being caught out, to be fair.
No hyperbole, Spain are massive contenders and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy.
Expected formation:
4-3-3.
Chances:
They should saunter to a group win and may even go on to win the whole competition. 17th ranked Uruguay won’t present a significant barrier and I think Spain will win all of their group games.
***
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay enter the 2026 World Cup having finalised their place with a 3-0 win over Peru. They finished 4th in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, one place above Brazil and behind Colombia, Ecuador and group winners Argentina.
There’s every reason to think Uruguay can clear their group, especially in light of their favourable draw, with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde being an order of magnitude off the pace in terms of quality on paper. But you can never discount an upset, especially given the nature of Uruguay’s all-action play style.
Play style:
They’re gung-ho getting forwards, and rely on recovery pace to try to get them out of sticky situations. Their physical stamina has been questioned based on an aggressive Bielsa strategy of committing multiple players forward to create overloads. That requires intensive work to undo overcommitment if players are caught on the break, and puts extra pressure on the centre backs.
In matches during qualification, players faded later in games, and that will probably heavily impact their chances of making a mark on the later stages of the competition
Bielsa persists with a close man-to-man marking system, which can be exploited by very fluid and mobile teams. Spain being a perfect example.
Expected formation:
4-3-3, ultra-aggressive, very high tempo. They will not sit on the ball and make sideways passes, but instead try to move it forwards as quickly as they can by any means necessary. Usually they rely on the flanks, with full backs creating overloads and 2v1 situations, and quick crosses from deep or the byline causing pandemonium for opposition defences.
Chances:
I expect they will clear the group without too many difficulties by finishing in 2nd. There’s a persistent nagging feeling that their players are being asked to do too much, however, and that fatigue could feature prominently at a scorching hot world cup.
***
Saudi Arabia
Under familiar face Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia struggled to make an impact in their round 3 qualification group, finishing behind Australia and Japan and needing the playoffs to aid their cause. After just 7 wins in 18 matches, Mancini left by mutual consent and Hervé Renard was rehired to navigate their remaining games.
But navigate them they did, and wins over Indonesia and a draw against Iraq were enough to see them get through based on a superior goals-scored tiebreaker. Talk about cutting it fine.
But there was more drama to follow as Saudi Arabia then sacked Hervé Renard and employed Greek manager Georgios Donis. The change of manager comes with a change of style, and Saudi Arabia are desperately trying to reshuffle to organise themselves as a defensive-first outfit in the face of this nightmarishly difficult group.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2026 managerial pipeline. Maybe hire another for shits and giggles?
Play style:
Donis is trying to turn them into a nightmare to play against. But the promise might not match the reality, with Saudi Arabia’s change of playstyle causing a rapid identity crisis that they will need to get their heads around right before the tournament starts.
They’ll switch to five at the back and play a deep, low block, with the intent of absorbing pressure. Kanno in midfield will anchor things, and then they’ll try quick passing combinations to play their way out from the back on the counter.
I have my doubts that the team is technical enough to achieve rapid transitions, and we might end up seeing a side that is trying to not get beaten first and foremost. It could be dour.
Expected formation:
5-4-1 and they’ll look to the wide areas on the transition. Expect to see Alem Al-Dawsari cutting in from the left on the break, but also expect to see him smothered by the capable defence of Spain. Against Bielsa’s Uruguay they may have a chance of grabbing a goal, but only if Uruguay overcommit against the low block.
Chances:
They’re changing style right before the tournament, they’ve chewed through a couple of managers to get here, they lack individual quality and they are up against Spain and Uruguay. I rate their chances of finishing in the top 2 almost zero, and I also doubt that if they finish 3rd they’ll be one of the top 8 third placed teams. I think they’re going out at the group stage.
***
Cape Verde
We love a World Cup underdog tale here at The Tournament Scout. Cape Verde are the second-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a World Cup, thanks partly to the expanded format, but also thanks to their steel during qualifying.
They managed 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat in their campaign, finishing four points clear of Cameroon to top their group. They won every single home match without conceding a goal.
A blistering 3-0 win over Eswatini had the fans in raptures as they came across the line and triggered an outpouring of national support and pride. It’s a thing of beauty.
But, they couldn’t have had a harder reality check, with Spain and Uruguay drawn in their group. Realistically they’ll be hoping to stay in games and grab chances if they arise.
Play style:
They’re very disciplined and build their identity on a steely defence. They play compact football and look to play direct on the counter with full backs pressing to try to win the ball back if the opposition tries to move play to the flanks. Key players include veterans Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes, and Dailon Livaramento up front.
They never look to dominate play, and the natural style they’re accustomed to probably fits them best in this group as they’re used to being the underdogs. If Saudi Arabia don’t have their ducks in a row, Cape Verde could challenge for a surprise 3rd placed finish - it only takes one moment or breakaway for Cape Verde to deal damage and then sit deep.
Expected formation:
4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It’ll be compact. They’ll allow the opposition to have the ball and will try to deny passing lanes and space. They won’t leave any room between their defensive and midfield lanes, so it’ll be like wading through molasses for many opposition teams looking to break through.
Chances:
I think they’ll struggle in what is a stunningly difficult gulf to bridge between the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th teams. If things go well for them and Saudi Arabia throw it away while adapting to their newest system there’s a chance they could cause an upset in that head to head and grab 3rd place.
The Tournament Scout’s Prediction
Spain win the group without dropping any points
Uruguay see off Saudi and Cape Verde to finish 2nd
Cape Verde sneak a win against Saudi to finish 3rd
Saudi Arabia down and out in 4th
20 min read
Group H Preview: Saudi chaos, Spanish quality
How many managers can one team have?
Group H Preview
Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
World Rankings:
Spain 2nd
Uruguay 17th
Saudi Arabia 61st
Cape Verde 69th
GROUP STRENGTH
Group H is theoretically the 2nd weakest group, even when accounting for Spain dragging the average up with their world ranking of 2nd place.
Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde could both be labelled as strugglers here, with Cape Verde the 5th weakest side in the competition and Saudi Arabia the 8th weakest based on world rankings.
The spread of rankings between the “top two” on rankings and Saudi Arabia / Cape Verde suggests this could be a clean 1-2 for Spain and Uruguay. But does the theory match the reality? We dig into it.
***
Spain
Topping off qualifying group E with consummate ease, Spain won 5 and drew 1 on the way to securing qualification, in a group which featured our tournament picks Türkiye. On the qualification form alone, you’d be scared to face Spain. Throw in their impeccable tournament history and there’s reason to be very, very afraid of the team ranked 2nd in the world.
This marks the first year in World Cup history that Spain has named a squad without a single Real Madrid player in their midst.
Play style:
Spain have evolved their play style over the past few years, from a ponderous “boring, boring Spain” tiki-taka to something more akin to an aggressive, vertical side employing speed and technicality to undo opponents quickly. The use of wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams has been seen to devastating effect in recent years. As an England fan, I’m all too familiar with it as Spain triumphed over England two years ago in the Euro 2024 final.
As well as their power and pace on the wings, insanely talented midfielders like Pedri or Dani Olmo are often seen making cameos in the box, completely overwhelming opposition defences with a storm of attacking runs - with the bonus that Spain’s technical finishing skills are among the best in the world.
They’re also impeccable at the counter-press. Losing the ball isn’t a problem for Spain, they’ll just win it back in record time, and before you know it you’re facing the most devastating counter attack you’ve seen.
Rodri sits as the anchor and conducts the whole orchestra like prime Pirlo, allowing the full backs to get forward in complete confidence that he’s got everything covered. You don’t often see him being caught out, to be fair.
No hyperbole, Spain are massive contenders and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy.
Expected formation:
4-3-3.
Chances:
They should saunter to a group win and may even go on to win the whole competition. 17th ranked Uruguay won’t present a significant barrier and I think Spain will win all of their group games.
***
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay enter the 2026 World Cup having finalised their place with a 3-0 win over Peru. They finished 4th in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, one place above Brazil and behind Colombia, Ecuador and group winners Argentina.
There’s every reason to think Uruguay can clear their group, especially in light of their favourable draw, with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde being an order of magnitude off the pace in terms of quality on paper. But you can never discount an upset, especially given the nature of Uruguay’s all-action play style.
Play style:
They’re gung-ho getting forwards, and rely on recovery pace to try to get them out of sticky situations. Their physical stamina has been questioned based on an aggressive Bielsa strategy of committing multiple players forward to create overloads. That requires intensive work to undo overcommitment if players are caught on the break, and puts extra pressure on the centre backs.
In matches during qualification, players faded later in games, and that will probably heavily impact their chances of making a mark on the later stages of the competition
Bielsa persists with a close man-to-man marking system, which can be exploited by very fluid and mobile teams. Spain being a perfect example.
Expected formation:
4-3-3, ultra-aggressive, very high tempo. They will not sit on the ball and make sideways passes, but instead try to move it forwards as quickly as they can by any means necessary. Usually they rely on the flanks, with full backs creating overloads and 2v1 situations, and quick crosses from deep or the byline causing pandemonium for opposition defences.
Chances:
I expect they will clear the group without too many difficulties by finishing in 2nd. There’s a persistent nagging feeling that their players are being asked to do too much, however, and that fatigue could feature prominently at a scorching hot world cup.
***
Saudi Arabia
Under familiar face Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia struggled to make an impact in their round 3 qualification group, finishing behind Australia and Japan and needing the playoffs to aid their cause. After just 7 wins in 18 matches, Mancini left by mutual consent and Hervé Renard was rehired to navigate their remaining games.
But navigate them they did, and wins over Indonesia and a draw against Iraq were enough to see them get through based on a superior goals-scored tiebreaker. Talk about cutting it fine.
But there was more drama to follow as Saudi Arabia then sacked Hervé Renard and employed Greek manager Georgios Donis. The change of manager comes with a change of style, and Saudi Arabia are desperately trying to reshuffle to organise themselves as a defensive-first outfit in the face of this nightmarishly difficult group.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2026 managerial pipeline. Maybe hire another for shits and giggles?
Play style:
Donis is trying to turn them into a nightmare to play against. But the promise might not match the reality, with Saudi Arabia’s change of playstyle causing a rapid identity crisis that they will need to get their heads around right before the tournament starts.
They’ll switch to five at the back and play a deep, low block, with the intent of absorbing pressure. Kanno in midfield will anchor things, and then they’ll try quick passing combinations to play their way out from the back on the counter.
I have my doubts that the team is technical enough to achieve rapid transitions, and we might end up seeing a side that is trying to not get beaten first and foremost. It could be dour.
Expected formation:
5-4-1 and they’ll look to the wide areas on the transition. Expect to see Alem Al-Dawsari cutting in from the left on the break, but also expect to see him smothered by the capable defence of Spain. Against Bielsa’s Uruguay they may have a chance of grabbing a goal, but only if Uruguay overcommit against the low block.
Chances:
They’re changing style right before the tournament, they’ve chewed through a couple of managers to get here, they lack individual quality and they are up against Spain and Uruguay. I rate their chances of finishing in the top 2 almost zero, and I also doubt that if they finish 3rd they’ll be one of the top 8 third placed teams. I think they’re going out at the group stage.
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Cape Verde
We love a World Cup underdog tale here at The Tournament Scout. Cape Verde are the second-smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a World Cup, thanks partly to the expanded format, but also thanks to their steel during qualifying.
They managed 7 wins, 2 draws and only 1 defeat in their campaign, finishing four points clear of Cameroon to top their group. They won every single home match without conceding a goal.
A blistering 3-0 win over Eswatini had the fans in raptures as they came across the line and triggered an outpouring of national support and pride. It’s a thing of beauty.
But, they couldn’t have had a harder reality check, with Spain and Uruguay drawn in their group. Realistically they’ll be hoping to stay in games and grab chances if they arise.
Play style:
They’re very disciplined and build their identity on a steely defence. They play compact football and look to play direct on the counter with full backs pressing to try to win the ball back if the opposition tries to move play to the flanks. Key players include veterans Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes, and Dailon Livaramento up front.
They never look to dominate play, and the natural style they’re accustomed to probably fits them best in this group as they’re used to being the underdogs. If Saudi Arabia don’t have their ducks in a row, Cape Verde could challenge for a surprise 3rd placed finish - it only takes one moment or breakaway for Cape Verde to deal damage and then sit deep.
Expected formation:
4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. It’ll be compact. They’ll allow the opposition to have the ball and will try to deny passing lanes and space. They won’t leave any room between their defensive and midfield lanes, so it’ll be like wading through molasses for many opposition teams looking to break through.
Chances:
I think they’ll struggle in what is a stunningly difficult gulf to bridge between the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th teams. If things go well for them and Saudi Arabia throw it away while adapting to their newest system there’s a chance they could cause an upset in that head to head and grab 3rd place.
The Tournament Scout’s Prediction
Spain win the group without dropping any points
Uruguay see off Saudi and Cape Verde to finish 2nd
Cape Verde sneak a win against Saudi to finish 3rd
Saudi Arabia down and out in 4th
20 min read