Group H
The line-up, a preview, and a steer for your finishing order.
Group H is fronted by the team many expect to lift the trophy. Spain (UEFA) are among the outright favourites for the tournament-a deep, cohesive side with genuine star power in Lamine Yamal-and should win the group at a canter. Uruguay (CONMEBOL) are the natural second seed: a South American heavyweight mid-generational-shift, still ruthless when space opens up and well-equipped to handle the knockout grind.
The lower seeds both carry upset pedigree. Saudi Arabia (AFC) famously beat Argentina in 2022 and will back themselves to spring at least one shock, while Cape Verde (CAF)-an island nation of around half a million people-reach the World Cup for the first time in a genuinely historic debut. They have punched above their weight throughout qualifying and won't be mere makeweights.
How to predict it: Spain top, Uruguay second is the chalk, and it's chalk for good reason. The interest is third place: both Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde are capable of nicking points, but the gap to the top two is real, so a third-placed finisher here may struggle on points compared with closer groups. If you want Group H representation in your best-thirds, lean on whichever lower seed you think can take something off Uruguay rather than just Spain.
Think you've read it right? Set your Group H order → Or head back to the full tournament guide.