Uruguay pulled goalkeeper Fernando Muslera at halftime of their FIFA World Cup group-stage final after his blunder in the first half gifted Spain the lead at Estadio Akron on Friday.
Muslera went down and to his right to stop Álex Baena’s shot in the 42nd minute, but despite getting both hands on the ball only managed to swat it into his own net.
OH NO MUSLERA 🤯
SPAIN TAKES THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/0ja5diIJr8
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— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 27, 2026
At halftime, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa elected to replace Muslera and brought on Sergio Rochet to replace him.
Heading into the match, Muslera had allowed three goals in Uruguay’s first two group stage matches — both draws. His costly error meant that he was substituted out in a World Cup match for the first time in his career.
Early in the second half, Bielsa also substituted Real Madrid star Federico Valverde, who was visibly upset as he made his way to the bench.
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Muslera’s early exit will only add more fuel to the argument about whether he should continue to have a role with the national team after being a mainstay for many years. Muslera first made his World Cup debut back in 2010.
Uruguay are in danger of missing out on the knockout rounds, with Cape Verde currently leading them in the standings.
