Uruguay vs. Spain: Tempting Mikel Oyarzabal odds you should back in World Cup Group H standoff

Spain were held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, with underdog goalkeeper Vozinha earning plaudits for his heroic individual display.

La Roja’s draw blew open Group H from the very first day, with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also playing out a stalemate.

Spain, however, bounced back with an impressive 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia, lifting them top of Group H as the only team to win a match amongst the four so far.

Uruguay, priced at 19/4 (5.75) with Betway, will perhaps be their toughest test yet. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain are favourites at 4/6 (1.66), but predicting a draw at 5/2 (3.50) also carries value.

After a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde, La Celeste are desperate for their first win at the 2026 edition. They are at risk of consecutive group stage eliminations for the first time ever, following their 2022 group stage exit, finishing third behind Portugal and South Korea.

Mikel Oyarzabal to lead Roja assault on Celeste?

Oyarzabal, appearing in his maiden World Cup, failed to inspire Spain to an opening day win against Cape Verde. He fired five shots and had 12 touches in the opposition box – the most by any player.

The island nation were at their defensive best, but Saudi Arabia bore the brunt of Oyarzabal’s brilliance in Spain’s second game.

Despite playing only 45 minutes, the Real Sociedad icon ended man-of-the-match after a fantastic first-half performance. He set up Spain’s first goal of the tournament with a low cross from the left flank for Lamine Yamal’s tap in at the far post.

What followed was two instinctive finishes in the space of four minutes to all but seal La Roja's first World Cup win in 2026. Oyarzabal first capitalised on a half-hearted clearance, firing from close range. He then received Dani Olmo’s headed flick at the far post, converting it from point-blank range to make it 3-0 even before the first hydration break.

As he did against Cape Verde, Oyarzabal topped with the number of shots (5) and touches in the opposition box (9) against the Falcons.

The 29-year-old is at 13/10 (2.30) to score anytime against Uruguay. A bigger dividend awaits those who back him to be the first goalscorer at 7/2 (3.50).

Value also beckons on those who back Oyarzabal to score or assist, with 7/8 (1.87) in his favour.

Oyarzabal has 14 goals and seven assists in 14 appearances for Spain since the start of 2025.

Uruguay vs Spain: Historic clash on the cards

The two World Cup winners are set to treat the Guadalajara crowd to a thrilling encounter, with everything left to play for in Group H.

Spain are heavy favourites to extend their 10-match (W5, D5) unbeaten head-to-head streak against Uruguay. The run includes two draws at the 1950 and 1990 World Cups.  

La Roja have opened the scoring inside the opening 20 minutes in six of their last eight fixtures. They will heavily depend on Yamal and Oyarzabal to unsettle La Celeste during transitions. Spain to score the first goal at 8/15 (1.53) offers modest returns.

Uruguay have scored in each of their last two group games. Despite back-to-back clean sheets for Spain, it is difficult to see them keep another, particularly with progression to the knockouts at stake.

Backing BTTS – Yes and Over 3.5 total goals, both at 23/20 (2.15), is worth a look.