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Group H is considered 10 of 12 toughest
Group H Teams in a Sentence
Spain - Talent all across the pitch, title or bust.
Cape Verde - Think Rocky, looking to punch above their weight.
Saudi Arabia - Organized, defensive, looking to counter.
Uruguay - Highly skilled, streetfighter mentality.
Where Group H finishers will play
1H Winner
2H Second Place
3H Third Place (8 of 12 will qualify)
1H gets a 2J, 2H gets 1J, if qualified 3H would get 1A, 1G, 1I or 1L
Group H Schedule (times are CST)
Match 14 Monday 6/15 Atlanta, 11a - FOX - Spain v Cape Verde
Match 13 Monday 6/15 Miami, 5p - FS1 - Saudi Arabia v Uruguay
Match 38 Sunday 6/21 Atlanta, 11a - FOX - Spain v Saudi Arabia
Match 37 Sunday 6/21 LA, 11p - FS1 - Uruguay v Cape Verde
Match 66 Friday 6/26 Guadalajara, 7p - FOX - Uruguay v Spain
Match 65 Friday 6/26 Houston, 7p - FS1 - Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia
Group ODDS (+110 = bet $100 to win $110, -250 = bet $250 to win $100)
To Advance out of Group H
Spain +460
Uruguay +6600
Saudi Arabia +100000
Cape Verde +200000
To Win Group H
Spain -500
Uruguay +400
Saudi Arabia +1600
Cape Verde +5000
To Win the World Cup
Spain -7692
Uruguay -625
Saudi Arabia -124
Cape Verde +161
CS Analysis
Spain enters as one of the favorites, and why not, they have some of the best battle-tested experience AND generational young talent. Spain will look to control possession, press high and transition quickly. Lots of focus on Lamine Yamal, who comes to the WC recovering from a hamstring injury, and there are questions on when he will be ready but this side has depth and might be the best “team” in the tournament.
Most Interesting Player
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Many to choose from but the youngster hit the scene in Spain as the best young talent in the world. The 18-year-old Euros hero has potential to be the next world superstar.
Cape Verde head to their first ever WC with a team of battle-tested veterans and promising young talent. For Cape Verde to make a deep run they will need their experienced leaders to stay fit and the squad to produce an upset or two through disciplined defending. They will look to stay compact, counter quickly, and capitalize on set pieces.
Most Interesting Player
Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia, Portugal)
Debutant fans already love the Portugal-based qualifying hero. Will have a massive “Cinderella story” narrative. Could be the surprise of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia is built mostly with players from their domestic league with a couple standout internationals. The side will look to stay organized and counterattack. Hard to know what kind of quality they will bring as they could advance from the group, but any result against stronger opponents will be celebrated as a triumph.
Most Interesting Player
Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
National hero (2022 Argentina stunner) and captain with 100+ caps; fans adore the legend; no controversy but huge legacy pressure; his dribbling and long-range goals create dynamic magic that media replays endlessly.
Uruguay have a strong, well-balanced squad under an excellent manager, Marcelo Bielsa. This side has high expectations, with a blend of experienced leaders with exciting young talent. They will look to press intensely, play with high energy, and exploit transitions. In qualifying, Uruguay came out hot but have cooled late. If they want anything beyond the round of 16, they will need to find the magic again.
Most Interesting Player
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Box-to-box dynamo and leadership core that Uruguayan fans worship. Elite pedigree; his thunderous shots and tireless running make him one of the most dynamically complete midfielders on the planet.
In Summary
Spain brings a blend of battle-hardened experience and generational young talent with world-class midfield control and dazzling attackers. Not only do they have the talent, they may be the best side in terms of coming together as a “team”. Uruguay will play a high-intensity pressing style, some would say a street-fighting approach, and Marcelo Bielsa will try to exploit transitions with their dangerous forwards. Cape Verde will bring their underdog, nothing to lose mentality and their compact counter-attacking grit. Saudi Arabia is going to defend deep and strike on the break, the question is will their organization be good enough. Could be a lot of goals in Spain v Uruguay as both sides will attack with proven scorers and high energy. In contrast Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia could be very defensive with a focus on set pieces and long balls. Should be a fun group to watch as all 4 sides play very different styles.
CS Picks
H1 Spain
H2 Uruguay
H3 Saudi Arabia
H4 Cape Verde
More On Each Country & National Team Below
Spain
Visiting?
Hike the Pyrenees in Catalonia
Stroll Barcelona.
Check out three of the best art galleries in the world in Madrid, “the golden triangle of art”.
Sleep in. Dinner isn’t until after 9pm and the night life goes late.
“The Land of Sun and Wine”
Population: 50M
Area: 195,000 Miles2
Region: Europe
Capital: Madrid
Language: Spanish
Greeting: Hola
Cuisine: Bold flavors, regional uniqueness and an old history is celebrated. Olive oil, fresh produce, seafood and simple preparation. Basque region - pintxos and bold flavors. Catalonia - Mediterranean seafood and sauces. Galicia - Atlantic seafood stews. Valencia - Rice, paella. Castile - stews and lamb.
La Roja
“The Red One”
Group H
World Ranking 2
WC Apps. 17
Best WC Finish: Won 2010
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Luis de la Fuente (Spanish)
Captain: Alvaro Morata (Como)
All Time Top Scorer: David Villa (98 caps, 59 goals) in 2000’s & 2010’s
About the Team
Spain’s recent European success has created a smooth handoff between the established core and an exciting new generation, with the question now being whether the young stars can deliver on the biggest stage. Stars like Rodri and Pedri provide world-class control and leadership, while a wave of dazzling young attackers in Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal give La Roja some of the best talent in the tournament.
The Fans
La Roja supporters are passionate, festive, and fiercely unified, turning every match into a vibrant celebration that brings the whole country together. Red (with gold accents) is the dominant color.
Had to choose this as the Spain fan picture as these are fighting words to us Germans. s/o to Alamy for the pic.
Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Dani Olmo (Barcelona)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)
Rodri (Manchester City)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Cape Verde
Visiting?
Not sure what country this is? think Hawaiian Islands
Not sure where it is? Atlantic Ocean about 300 miles west of Senegal (Northwest Africa)
Island hop exploring beaches, volcanos, dune fields mountains, valleys and enjoy the seaside villages like Mindelo, on a moon-shaped bay surrounded by mountains.
Climb Mico do Fogo (9000 ft) for amazing views.
The “Green Cape”
Population: 583,000
Area: 1,550 Miles2
Region: Coastal Northwest Africa
Capital: Praia
Language: Portuguese
Greeting: Oi, Ola.
Cuisine: Creole fusion of West Africa & Portugal. Slow cooked stews with corn, beans fish/meat Cachupa is the national dish. Seafood is prevalent. Tropical fruit is used often as ingredients, papaya, mango, sweet potato, cassava.
Tubaroes Azuis
Blue Sharks
Group H
World Ranking 69
WC Apps. FIRST EVER
Best WC Finish: FIRST EVER
FIFA Governing Body: CAF
Head Coach: Bubista (Belgian)
Captain: Ryan Mendes (Igdir)
All Time Top Scorer: Ryan Mendes (96 caps, 22 goals) will play in this World Cup
About the Team
Won their WC qualifying group to punch their ticket to their first ever WC. A small island nation punching above its weight, built around a core of experienced players who have competed in Europe with a handful of young prospects ready to shine on the global stage. Veterans like Ryan Mendes (all-time leading scorer and captain) and 39-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha provide leadership and know-how, while exciting attackers such as Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo and Logan Costa bring speed, creativity, and defensive solidity that carried the Blue Sharks through qualifying.
The Fans
The Tubaroes Azuis (Blue Sharks) fans are passionate, loud, and deeply proud, turning their stadiums into blue and white. Blue is the color emphasized, worn with pride by communities from Brockton to Lisbon, creating a noisy, joyful atmosphere that feels more like a family reunion than a football match.
Players to Watch
Dailon Livramento (Casa Pia)
Willy Semedo (Omonia Nicosia)
Ryan Mendes (Igdir, Turkey) - Captain
Júlio Tavares (Dijon)
Garry Rodrigues (Apollon LImassol)
Logan Costa (Toulouse)
Vozinha (AEL Limassol) – GK.
Saudi Arabia
Visiting?
For the first time, In 2019 Saudi Arabia launched its tourist visa program for non-pilgrimage and non-business travelers
Scuba dive the Red Sea at Abu Madafi and Seven Sisters reefs.
Get lost in the dunescape of the Rub’ Al-Khalli, the Empty Quarter.
Mecca and Medina are pilgrimage sites for Islam.
“Land of the Two Holy Mosques”
Population: 34M
Area: 830,000 Miles2
Region: Middle East
Capital: Riyadh
Language: Arabic
Greeting: Marhaba (Hello), Assalaam alaikum (may peace be upon you)
Cuisine: Rice with lamb, dates and aromatic spices shaped by desert life. Kabsa is the national dish, spiced rice with lamb or chicken. Flatbreads. Yogurt. Roasted meat. Dates. Coffee.
al-Akhdar
“The Green One”
Group H
World Ranking 61
WC Apps. 7
Best WC Finish: Round of 16
FIFA Governing Body: AFC
Head Coach: Georgios Donis (Greek)
Captain: Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal)
All Time Top Scorer: Majed Abdullah (117 caps, 72 goals) in the 1970’s, 1980’s & 1990’s.
About the Team
The Green Falcons rely on a core of Saudi Pro League stars with a handful of Europe-based players, creating a tight-knit group where experience and tactical discipline are the main weapons. Salem Al-Dawsari remains the heartbeat and leader after his legendary 2022 heroics, while younger talents like Musab Al-Juwayr and Saud Abdulhamid add energy and quality. This team knows their strengths and will work hard to stick to their plans.
The Fans
The Green Falcons supporters are passionate and fiercely patriotic, erupting in massive celebrations that unite the entire nation whenever the team pulls off a shock result. Expect a sea of green jerseys, flags and fans ready to celebrate their national pride.
Players to Watch
Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal) – Captain.
Saleh Al-Shehri (Al-Hilal)
Musab Al-Juwayr (Al-Qadsiah)
Saud Abdulhamid (Al-Hilal)
Mohamed Al-Owais (Al-Hilal) – GK.
Nasser Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal)
Firmino (Al-Ahli, if selected)
Uruguay
Visiting?
Gaucho’s - Enjoy the “cowboy culture” of horsemen, cattle ranches and big open skies.
Head to the beaches on the coastline and enjoy colonial towns, fishing villages and nature reserves.
Punta del Este for South America’s liveliest beach party resort.
Punta del Diablo for the laid-back, backpacker friendly former fishing village
“The Switzerland of South America”
Population: 3.5M
Area: 68,000 Miles2
Region: South America
Capital: Montevideo
Language: Spanish
Greeting: Hola
Cuisine: Meat focused meals with strong Italian and Spanish influence. Asado, wood-fired grilling is a national ritual. Pasta. Pizza. Dulce de leche, a creamy caramel spread made by heating milk and sugar.
La Celeste
“The Sky Blue”
Group H
World Ranking 17
WC Apps. 15
Best WC Finish: Winners 2 Times
FIFA Governing Body: UEFA
Head Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentinian)
Captain: Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)
All Time Top Scorer: Luis Suarez (143 caps, 69 goals) will be in this World Cup
About the Team
Uruguay qualified directly by finishing fourth in the CONMEBOL standings, clinching their fifth consecutive WC. Federico Valverde drives the midfield with energy and leadership, while defenders Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez provide a world-class back line. If Darwin Nunez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta can get creative and find the net, this side will be a very tough out.
Why the 4 stars in the logo? Well, that is somewhat controversial as those stars are supposed to represent the number of WC’s won. Uruguay won two Olympic Gold Medals in 1924 and 1928 and then two World Cups in 1030 and 1950. Since the WC officially started in its current iteration in 1030, Uruguay gets recognized for their two “highest level of international competition” wins. In 1992, Uruguay petitioned FIFA to recognize those titles and they did.
The Fans
Expect passionate, loud, and deeply emotional fans for Uruguay. Sky blue is the color. Fireworks, chants, and raw national pride that unites the entire country will be on display.
Players to Watch
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)
Ronald Araújo (Barcelona)
Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)
Sergio Rochet (Internacional) – GK.
