Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa has described Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Spain as a “final”, insisting his side must win to secure a place in the Round of 32, according to a Reuters report.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Bielsa said Uruguay would leave nothing to chance after successive draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde left their knockout hopes hanging in the balance.
Although a draw could still leave Uruguay with a slim chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams, the veteran Argentine coach said his team is focused solely on victory.
“We are approaching tomorrow’s match as a final,” Bielsa said.
The 69-year-old stressed that Uruguay must play with energy and initiative against the European champions while limiting Spain’s control of possession.
