2026 World Cup: Group H preview, odds & predictions

Cape Verde

One of four nations who will be making their World Cup debut this summer, Cape Verde won't be entering Group H with much expectation - but as we've seen so many times in the past, it only takes a second for the underdog to have their moment.

The Blue Sharks booked their ticket for the 2026 World Cup by finishing top of their qualifying group, ahead of Cameroon in second, so they can't be underestimated in the States - even if they are significant outsiders. Wins over Ghana and Cameroon in the last couple of years show they can compete with much more established nations when they click, so we wouldn't be surprised if Cape Verde do manage to pick up at least a point in Group H.

Benfica's Sidney Lopes Cabral is probably the standout from an unfamiliar squad, but in the biggest summer of Cape Verde's footballing history, the stage is set for national heroes to emerge.

Saudi Arabia

Despite featuring in six of the last eight World Cups - reaching the round of 16 in 1994 - Saudi Arabia are only slightly ahead of Cape Verde in the world rankings, and enter Group H with a lot of work to do if they want to qualify for the knockouts this time around - but their win over Argentina in 2022 proves exactly what they're capable of.

Both the goalscorers from that famous day in Qatar will likely be representing their country again this summer, and with the Saudi Pro League becoming so much more of a global force since 2022, we're expecting the overall quality of the squad to have improved drastically.

The bookies aren't counting Saudi Arabia among the favourites to even qualify from the group, but with invaluable experience and plenty of confidence under their belts, they could be something of a surprise package this year.

Spain

Priced as the resounding group favourites - and second-favourites to win a second World Cup trophy - Spain arrive in North America looking to add to their 2024 European Championships triumph, and with such enviable levels of class throughout the squad, they've got every chance of asserting their dominance on the world stage.

Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri, and Marcos Llorente are just some of the huge names representing Spain this summer, and having reached the knockout rounds in five of the last six World Cups - including winning that unforgettable final in 2010 - it would be a huge shock to see them fall away at the group stages this time around, particularly with the enlarged format.

Their only competitive defeat since losing to Scotland in March 2023 came in the 2025 Nations League final, when they lost on penalties to Portugal, and with a seemingly routine group stage giving them the chance to build momentum, we're expecting another strong showing from the Spaniards.

Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay complete Group H this summer, and with the South Americans ranked 17th in the world - almost 50 places higher than Saudi Arabia - they shouldn't have too much trouble qualifying for the round of 32 here.

A sprinkling of big names make Uruguay clear second-favourites in the group, with the likes of Fede Valverde, Darwin Nunez, and Manuel Ugarte bringing elite-level experience to the squad - and with the proven quality of Marcelo Bielsa in the hotseat, they'll be going into every single game with genuine belief.

La Celeste aren't coming into the tournament in great form, with November's 5-1 defeat to USA still quite fresh in the memory, but strong showings at previous World Cups suggest they turn up when it matters - so we're tipping the two-time winners to be one of the summer's dark horses.

Priced as second-favourites to go all the way and win another World Cup, Spain are clear front-runners to finish top of Group H and show exactly why they're so fancied this summer, with Uruguay tipped to come second and qualify for the round of 32.

Saudi Arabia come next in the bookies' odds, with their famous win over eventual winners Argentina in 2022 giving them a huge amount of credit on the global stage, while World Cup debutants Cape Verde complete the group as underdogs.

Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup betting guide provides all the tips you need to place calculated, well-informed wagers on Group H.

• Spain vs Cape Verde (Monday, 15 June - 17:00 BST)

• Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (Monday, 15 June - 23:00 BST)

• Spain vs Saudi Arabia (Sunday, 21 June - 17:00 BST)

• Uruguay vs Cape Verde (Sunday, 21 June - 23:00 BST)

• Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia (Saturday, 27 June - 01:00 BST)

• Uruguay vs Spain (Saturday, 27 June - 01:00 BST)

You can also find the full 2026 World Cup fixture schedule here.

Predicted standings:

• 1) Spain

• 2) Uruguay

• 3) Saudi Arabia

• 4) Cape Verde

On paper, this group feels like one of the most simple to predict, with a noticeable gap in quality between each of the four teams - so we're sticking with the odds. With so much quality, consistency, and top-level experience, Spain are our Group H winners, probably picking up maximum points.

Our experts are then tipping Uruguay to finish second quite comfortably, with a battle for third taking place between Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde - which we're backing Saudi Arabia to win, leaving Cape Verde bottom of the group.

For more group previews ahead of this summer's tournament, check out our 2026 World Cup content hub.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

View the latest World Cup 2026 odds.