Cape Verde Holds Uruguay to 2-2 Draw at World Cup 2026

Cape Verde fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Uruguay in World Cup Group H on June 21, 2026, as the African archipelago maintained their unbeaten start at the global showpiece. The debutants took the lead in Miami against the two-time champions when Kevin Pina scored their first-ever World Cup goal. However, Uruguay equalized right before half-time with goals from Maximiliano Araujo and Agustin Canobbio, taking a 2-1 lead into the break.

In the second half, 40-year-old Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a critical error, allowing Helio Varela to equalize for Cape Verde just after the hour mark. The match ended in a stalemate, earning Cape Verde their second point in Group H.

Cape Verde boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stage, looking to secure a place when they face Saudi Arabia, who lost 4-0 to Spain earlier in the day, on June 27, 2026. A victory would ensure their progression to the last-32 round.

On the other hand, Uruguay's aspirations of progressing hung in the balance, as they needed a win against Spain next week to avoid a second consecutive early exit from the tournament. Coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team after their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde's Bubista opted for three alterations in attacking positions.

Cape Verde initially approached the game with more offensive intent compared to their earlier match against Spain. Yet, it was Uruguay that created the first significant chance when Federico Valverde shot wide from the left. Cape Verde gained the lead as Pina struck a long-range free-kick, which went through the insufficient Uruguay wall and past Muslera.

Uruguay's equalizer came from a chaotic moment in the 44th minute when Sidney Lopes Cabral inadvertently headed the ball against his own post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, allowing Araujo to score on the rebound. They then took the lead in added time, with Canobbio volleying home Araujo's header.

The second half saw Uruguay appearing to control the match until Muslera made a reckless sprint off his line in the 61st minute, enabling Varela to score into an empty net. Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha had a moment of reprieve when he fumbled a chance that was ruled offside.

Towards the end of the match, Valverde blasted a late free-kick over the bar from just outside the box, leaving Uruguay in a precarious position for their continued participation in the tournament.