World Cup Preview: Group H
As we get set to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we're previewing each of the tournament's twelve groups through the Ligue 1 McDonald's lens, continuing with Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Spain
FIFA Ranking: 2
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Spain’s squad may be packed with stars from La Liga and the Premier League, but there is only one current representative from Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabián Ruiz heads to North America fresh from a second Champions League triumph in the French capital. If he is fit, he will see plenty of game time.
Tournament outlook:
After lifting Euro 2024 and reaching the UEFA Nations League final, Spain arrive at the World Cup as one of the favourites to go all the way. Luis de la Fuente's team has a devastating blend of youthful flair and experience which will be spearheaded by the star man Lamine Yamal at his first World Cup campaign.
Ligue 1 legend: Luis Fernández – Paris Saint-Germain
Although Spain have produced no shortage of players who have graced Ligue 1 McDonald’s, few have left as profound a legacy as Luis Fernández. Born in Spain before moving to France as a child, the combative midfielder became synonymous with Paris Saint-Germain during the club’s formative years, winning league and cup honours before later returning as manager to guide PSG to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996. A European champion with France in 1984 rather than Spain internationally, Fernández nevertheless remains one of the most influential figures ever associated with French football and an iconic link between the two nations. If restricting the list to Spain internationals alone, former Monaco captain Cesc Fàbregas would be a worthy alternative, but Fernández’s impact on Ligue 1 history is unmatched.
Cape Verde
FIFA Ranking: 69
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Cape Verde arrive at their maiden World Cup without any current representatives in Ligue 1 McDonald’s. However, there are still plenty of links to French football within the Blue Sharks squad. Former Toulouse defender Logan Costa remains one of the nation's standout talents after his move to Villarreal, whilst ex-Lorient and Toulouse full-back Steven Moreira brings a wealth of experience from his time in France. Veteran forward Ryan Mendes also enjoyed a spell with LOSC Lille earlier in his career, ensuring the island nation retains a distinctly Francophone flavour despite the absence of any current Ligue 1 players.
Tournament outlook:
The smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde have already exceeded expectations simply by reaching the tournament. Rather than sitting back, Pedro 'Bubista' Brito has instilled an adventurous style built around possession and proactive football, even against stronger opposition. Drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, progression would require one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, but the Blue Sharks have built their recent success on upsetting the odds. With little pressure and plenty of belief, they could yet prove to be one of the tournament's most entertaining underdogs.
Ligue 1 legend: Ryan Mendes – LOSC Lille
Cape Verde's rise on the international stage has coincided with the career of Ryan Mendes, who remains the nation's most recognisable footballing export. A graduate of Le Havre's academy before earning a move to LOSC Lille in 2012, the winger became the first Cape Verdean to play in the UEFA Champions League and spent several seasons competing in Ligue 1 McDonald's. While injuries prevented him from fully realising his potential in France, Mendes has gone on to become his country's record appearance-maker and one of its greatest-ever servants, embodying the progress of Cape Verdean football over the past decade.
Saudi Arabia
FIFA Ranking: 61
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Saudi Arabia have just one current representative in Ligue 1 McDonald’s, but it is an important one. RC Lens full-back Saud Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player to feature in the French top flight when he joined the Sang et Or and is expected to be a key figure once again for the Green Falcons. The remainder of the squad is almost entirely based in the Saudi Pro League, with the established cores of Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ahli providing the backbone of Georgios Donis' side. Abdulhamid’s experience in European football could prove invaluable as Saudi Arabia look to spring another surprise on the world stage.
Tournament outlook:
Saudi Arabia arrive in North America with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for only the second time in their history. Memories of their famous victory over Argentina in 2022 still linger, but consistency has remained elusive despite the rapid growth of the domestic league. Drawn alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde, the Green Falcons will likely target their opening fixture against Uruguay as the key to their campaign before hoping to take advantage against the tournament debutants. With veteran captain Salem Al-Dawsari still pulling the strings and a tactically disciplined side under Georgios Donis, Saudi Arabia have enough quality to trouble anyone on their day, even if progression remains an uphill task.
Ligue 1 legend:
Saudi Arabia's connections with Ligue 1 McDonald's are still in their infancy, making Saud Abdulhamid the nation's standout figure by default. His move to RC Lens marked a historic moment as the first Saudi international to establish himself in the French top flight. He comes off the back of a sucessful season with Lens, where the Sang & Or qualified for the Champions League and ran out as winners of the Coupe de France.
Uruguay
FIFA Ranking: 16
Current Ligue 1 McDonald’s players:
Uruguay arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without any current representatives from Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Nevertheless, there remains a strong French connection within Marcelo Bielsa’s squad. Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte has become one of La Celeste’s key figures since his move to Manchester United. Previous figures such as Edinson Cavani may have moved on, but a new generation is looking to impress under Bielsa.
Tournament outlook:
Few teams are as difficult to predict as Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay. At their best, they are capable of overwhelming almost any opponent with their relentless pressing and intensity, yet inconsistency has dogged their recent form. Federico Valverde remains the heartbeat of the side, whilst Darwin Núñez and Manuel Ugarte provide quality at both ends of the pitch. Spain are expected to top Group H, leaving Uruguay in a likely battle with Saudi Arabia for second place, but Bielsa’s men possess enough experience and tournament pedigree to fancy a deep run should they reach the knockout stages.
Ligue 1 legend: Enzo Francescoli – Racing Paris, Olympique de Marseille
Known as El Príncipe, Enzo Francescoli is widely regarded as one of the finest footballers Uruguay has ever produced and one of the most elegant foreign talents to grace Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Across three seasons with Racing Paris, he scored 32 league goals and was voted the division’s Best Foreign Player in 1987, carrying the club through some difficult years with his effortless technique and eye for goal. A move to Olympique de Marseille followed in 1989, where he added another 11 league goals and helped Les Phocéens lift the French title in his only season at the Vélodrome. Revered by generations of football fans – including a young Zinedine Zidane, who named his eldest son Enzo in his honour – Francescoli’s influence on French football stretched far beyond his statistics, making him the obvious choice as Uruguay’s Ligue 1 legend.
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>> World Cup Preview: Group A
