GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Uruguay’s goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was substituted at halftime during their final group stage match of the World Cup against Spain after a critical error in the first half that allowed Spain to take the lead at Estadio Akron on Friday. As a result, Marcelo Bielsa’s team was eliminated from the tournament.
In the 42nd minute, Muslera attempted to save a shot from Álex Baena but, despite getting both hands on the ball, he inadvertently punched it into his own net, leaving Uruguay trailing at halftime.
OH NO MUSLERA 🤯
SPAIN TAKES THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/0ja5diIJr8
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 27, 2026
After the match, Coach Bielsa revealed that Muslera requested to be substituted during the break, leading to Sergio Rochet taking his place.
“No, I didn’t make that decision,” Bielsa remarked post-match. “It was Muslera’s decision.”
Uruguay tried to regain control in a tough second half, but ultimately lost 1-0, finishing their World Cup run with only two points from three matches. Spain topped the group, while Cape Verde secured second place after drawing 2-2 with Uruguay.
Veteran coach Bielsa expressed disappointment over Uruguay’s luck, feeling they should have claimed seven points instead of two from their matches, but he took full responsibility for the team’s shortcomings.
“You don’t want explanations, which is why you’re not asking for answers, but rather placing the blame on me,” Bielsa stated. “That’s a reflection of my work, and I accept that. However, if I was to analyze what transpired, I’d point out the mistakes since they are part of football. We made errors, and we failed to achieve an acceptable balance between our attempts, goals scored, and those conceded.”
Ranked 19th in FIFA, Uruguay is the highest-ranked team to be eliminated thus far.
Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente noted the match’s difficulty, stating, “Every game is unique, and you must win in every scenario. This was a match of utmost challenge.”
Following the final whistle, several Uruguay players were seen in tears, and many fans booed as the team departed the field.
This highly anticipated match featured minimal significant scoring opportunities from either side.
Baena expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “I’m very proud of all the work we’ve accomplished. We competed exceptionally.”
Heading into this match, Muslera had already conceded three goals in Uruguay’s two previous group stage matches, both of which ended in draws. His error in this game marked the first time he was substituted during a World Cup match.
Early in the second half, Bielsa also made the decision to substitute Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, who appeared visibly upset on his way to the bench. Before the match concluded, Agustín Canobbio received a red card due to a studs-up challenge.
Bielsa explained his substitutions, saying, “Muslera’s decision was his own, and I brought Valverde off for Federico Viñas to adopt a more attacking approach.”
The early substitution of Muslera reignites discussions about his role on the national team after many years of service, including making his World Cup debut back in 2010.
This exit is a frustrating conclusion for Bielsa and Uruguay, who have won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, yet have failed to advance beyond the group stages in two consecutive tournaments.
Spain, aiming for their second World Cup title, began the tournament with a surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but followed it up with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. La Roja has not progressed past the round of 16 since their 2010 title win.
Spain striker Lamine Yamal, who entered the tournament with a left hamstring injury, faced another underwhelming performance and was substituted by Ferran Torres in the 76th minute. The 18-year-old had previously not completed a full match in the tournament.
Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte had to be replaced due to a suspected knee injury just before halftime when Spain scored, and he was eventually taken off on a stretcher.
King Felipe VI of Spain attended the match among a crowd of 45,065 fans, and a moment of silence was observed beforehand in memory of the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
Information from The Associated Press and ESPN Global Research contributed to this report.