Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is preparing Spain for a decisive World Cup Group H meeting with Uruguay, describing Mikel Oyarzabal as central to the plan. Spain sit top of the group before that final fixture, boosted by a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, where Oyarzabal delivered two goals and one assist in a dominant attacking display.

That performance highlighted Oyarzabal’s current international form, which has been outstanding since the start of 2025. Across 14 appearances for Spain in all competitions during that period, Oyarzabal has contributed 21 direct goal involvements, with 14 goals and seven assists, nearly tripling the return of any team-mate, as Mikel Merino follows next on eight.

Oyarzabal’s early impact against Saudi Arabia also entered the World Cup record books. The forward became only the second player on record, since 1966, to be involved in three goals during the first 25 minutes of a finals match, matching Hungary’s Laszlo Fazekas, who registered one goal and two assists against El Salvador in 1982.

De la Fuente used that display to underline how Oyarzabal is now viewed inside Spain, stressing both personality and tactical awareness. “Mikel Oyarzabal, a giant among giants. We’re finally starting to give him the recognition he deserves in Spain. My goodness, said the Spain boss. Oyarzabal is a very intelligent person, and that shows on the pitch. For me, he’s one of the best forwards at playing in space, between the lines… Very few footballers have that understanding of the game. You have to know how to stay grounded, and he does. He’s calm and composed. He impresses me more every day.”

Spain and Uruguay meet at the World Cup for the third time, with the previous two encounters both drawn. Their 1950 clash finished 2-2, while the 1990 meeting ended 0-0, underlining how tight this fixture has often been on the global stage and suggesting another demanding contest for Group H.

Spain’s record in final group matches has shifted over recent tournaments. Between 1986 and 2014, Spain won every closing group game at the World Cup. However, that pattern has changed in the last two editions, following a 2-2 draw with Morocco in 2018 and a 2-1 defeat against Japan in 2022, results that serve as a reminder against complacency.

Key historical World Cup figures for Spain and Uruguay can be summarised as follows:

De la Fuente expects Uruguay to present a strong challenge, given the squad profile and what remains at stake in Group H. “Uruguay is a formidable opponent, added De La Fuente. Their players play in Europe, Mexico, Brazil… They’re going to demand our best. Every match is different. Uruguay demands a lot, and they’ll have to step up because they have a lot at stake. We’ll try to take the initiative.”

The Spanish national team highlighted the meeting with Uruguay on social media, sharing images and messages ahead of the contest, including their latest winning line-up and preparation details.

As Spain approach the final Group H fixture, Oyarzabal’s form and De la Fuente’s tactical emphasis on taking the initiative appear central to their approach. Historical meetings with Uruguay and recent group-stage setbacks offer perspective, but Spain enter this match with momentum from the Saudi Arabia win and a forward delivering consistently at international level.