There’s a strong Iberian feel to this group.
Let’s look at Group H with Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. That’s three titles, one round of 16, and a debut amongst the four of them.
Spain
The manager
Luis de la Fuente. Similar to Darren Bazeley at New Zealand, de la Fuente has worked through the Spanish youth coaching ranks before he was appointed head coach of the senior team in 2022. His focus on youth has paid off with only 2 defeats in 42 internationals, scoring 112 and conceding just 34.
Last World Cup
2022. Spain were on Morocco’s route to the semi-final and lost 2–0. Needless to say it was an unexpected result and stopped us seeing more of Lamine Yamal.
Who’s getting the goals
Mikel Oyarzabal had his joint-best scoring season for Real Sociedad. Fernan Torres had the same with Barcelona. Lamine Yamal is the star player but de la Fuente won’t rely on him solely so expect some time on the bench but also a few goals if he really gets going.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Persona. Fast, popular, and very stylish. Not always perfect but when they are on fire, there’s nothing better.
Cabo Verde
The manager
Bubista. Last year’s CAF Coach of the Year is a legend in Cabo Verde and rightfully so. He’s a reserved man and apparently only allows his players to speak in Creole to maintain the national identity.
Last World Cup
This is their first time!
Who’s getting the goals
Should anyone find themselves with a sniff at goal, it’ll likely be Ryan Mendes. The 36-year-old captain has played in and around Turkey and Dubai over the last 10 years. Goals are in him more on the club side but you can’t count him out; he’s Cabo Verde through and through.
If they were a video game, they would be…
A Short Hike. Small but worthy of its praise.
Saudi Arabia
The manager
Georgios Donis. The Premier League’s first ever Greek player is now leading Saudi Arabia at a World Cup. He only joined in April so his first competitive match will be here. No pressure.
Last World Cup
2022. They shocked the world by beating Argentina in their opening game (on my birthday no less!) but that was their only win of the tournament and they finished bottom of the group.
Who’s getting the goals
Salem Al-Dawsari scored the winner against Argentina in 2022 despite his age and propensity for poor penalties, the team will look to him for more winners. See also: Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Abdullah Al-Hamdan.
If they were a video game, they would be…
NiGHTS. They had an iconic moment in the 90s and it was beautiful to watch but everything after that just hasn’t cut the mustard.
Uruguay
The manager
Marcelo Bielsa. A management legend. If Jon Mackenzie was here, he’d have more eloquent and meaningful things to say but you’re stuck with my words. The Argentine has been with Uruguay since 2023, becoming only the second foreign coach in their history. He had a slow and controversial start, dropping the ageing greats but that seemed to put the team into a power cycle and they recorded historic wins against Brazil and Argentina in qualifying for this World Cup, breaking streaks in the process.
Last World Cup
2022. A win, a loss, and a draw. Out at the group stage.
Who’s getting the goals
Federico Viñas has a great opportunity to translate club form into World Cup greatness. de Arrascaeta is one of the top scorers in the squad so he’s in with a shout. Darwin Núñez hasn’t had the best time at Al-Hilal since moving from Liverpool last season and he hasn’t scored for Uruguay since 2024 but… what was I talking about? Oh yeah, goals. Núñez: prove us wrong!
If they were a video game, they would be…
Pac Man. A giant in the early days and still remembered as such by those who know but not nearly as dominant as it used to be. There’s a joke about biting in here somewhere but I can’t be bothered to make it.