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Luis de la Fuente and Marcelo Bielsa meet at World Cup clash in Guadalajara

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 2:06 AM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Luis de la Fuente and Marcelo Bielsa meet at World Cup clash in Guadalajara

Summary

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed admiration for Uruguay's Marcelo Bielsa ahead of their important World Cup match on June 26 in Guadalajara. Spain, the European champion, is set to face South American powerhouse Uruguay, which must win to avoid potential elimination from Group H. Bielsa acknowledged Spain's unique style of play and indicated he has adapted over the years. De la Fuente, who has followed Bielsa's career closely, said he has finalized his lineup, hinting at no changes after a decisive win against Saudi Arabia. Uruguay remains in contention but faces a crucial challenge to secure advancement.

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By the Numbers

•Match scheduled for June 26 in Guadalajara.
•Spain needs a win to guarantee first in Group H.
•Uruguay must win to stay in the tournament.
•De la Fuente admires Bielsa, having learned from him.
•Uruguay's fate relies on this match's outcome.

Latest Updates

2:06 AMYahoo Sports — Spain's Luis de la Fuente reconnects with Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa at the World Cup

What they're saying

"
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente didn’t hide his admiration for Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa ahead of the nation’s decisive World Cup match on Friday. The game in Guadalajara is one of the most anticipated of the group stage, with European champion Spain and South American powerhouse Uruguay fighting for first place in Group H. Uruguay will likely face elimination if it loses at Guadalajara Stadium. De la Fuente said he knows Bielsa well, having spent time watching him train at Athletic Bilbao in the early 2010s.
— Yahoo Sportsby TALES AZZONI

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