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Group H remains wide open, with just three points separating the top from the bottom teams heading into the final fixtures.

This group is shaping up to deliver one of the most dramatic conclusions among the 12 groups in this summer’s World Cup.

No position is yet confirmed, as Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde all still have the mathematical possibility of finishing top, while bottom-placed Saudi Arabia could still climb as high as second.

The final group matches are scheduled for Friday. Cape Verde will take on Saudi Arabia at Houston’s NRG Stadium at 7pm local time (1am UK time), while Uruguay and Spain will kick off simultaneously at Zapopan’s Estadio Akron at 6pm local time (also 1am UK time).

The group winner will face the runner-up from Group J — either Austria or Algeria — in the next round. The second-placed team will meet Argentina. A strong-performing third-placed side could still progress and face either Mexico or the winners of Group G, where Egypt currently hold the advantage.

• Spain will finish top of the group with a win, and likely even with a draw, unless Cape Verde produce a massive victory over Saudi Arabia to surpass them on goal difference.

Luis de la Fuente’s team cannot finish lower than third. That scenario would only occur if they lose to Uruguay while Cape Verde defeat Saudi Arabia. Even then, Spain would still be in a strong position to progress as one of the eight best third-placed sides.

Spain would take second place if they lose to Uruguay and Cape Verde fail to beat Saudi Arabia.

• Uruguay will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose to Spain, as they would definitely be overtaken by either Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia (or both, if they lose by five goals and the other match ends in a draw). Two points would not be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

A draw would guarantee Uruguay at least third place, and possibly second if the other game also ends level and their goal record remains superior. A total of three points with a neutral goal difference might still be sufficient to advance as a third-placed team.

A win for Uruguay would secure top spot in the group, provided Cape Verde do not also win by a greater margin.

• Cape Verde can only top the group if they win and Uruguay defeat Spain by a smaller margin.

A win for Cape Verde would seal their place in the round of 32 regardless of the other result, as they would surpass at least one of Spain or Uruguay to finish in the top two. A draw would see them take second if Uruguay lose. If both Cape Verde and Uruguay draw, second place would be decided first by goals scored, then by fair play ranking, and finally by FIFA world ranking if still tied.

Cape Verde would be eliminated if they lose.

• Saudi Arabia must win to stay in the competition.

If they manage to secure all three points, they would finish second in the group unless Uruguay also defeat Spain. In that case, Saudi Arabia would finish third, but with four points they would still stand a strong chance of qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides. A victory by three or more goals would guarantee their place in the round of 32.