Uruguay were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against a determined Saudi Arabian side in their Group H opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday in Miami.
The result came on the same day that tournament newcomers Cape Verde stunned European champions Spain with a scoreless draw, leaving all four teams in Group H level on one point after the opening round of matches.
Saudi Arabia struck first shortly before halftime when defender Abdulelah Al-Amri reacted quickest inside the box to put his side ahead. Despite controlling much of the contest and creating numerous chances, Uruguay struggled to break through until Maximiliano Araujo finally restored parity with just 10 minutes remaining.
The South Americans dominated the second half, registering a barrage of attempts on goal, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais produced several key interventions to keep his team in the contest.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed disappointment with the outcome, insisting his team had done enough to claim all three points.
“We deserved more from the game,” Bielsa said afterward. He acknowledged that his players failed to reach their expected level during the first half and only began to find their rhythm after the break.
The two-time World Cup champions arrived in the United States after travel delays caused by administrative issues involving their flight from Mexico, and they appeared sluggish in the intense Miami heat and humidity.
Clear-cut opportunities were scarce early on, although Federico Vinas came close midway through the first half, forcing Al-Owais into a sharp save from a close-range header.
Saudi Arabia, known for upsetting Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, relied heavily on quick counterattacks. Their first major chance arrived shortly before the interval when Al-Amri tested veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera with a powerful effort.
The breakthrough followed moments later. After Muslera failed to hold onto a header from a corner kick, Al-Amri pounced on the loose ball and converted from close range.
Unimpressed with his side’s first-half display, Bielsa made significant changes at halftime, withdrawing Matias Vina and Darwin Nunez. Agustin Canobbio and Juan Manuel Sanabria were introduced, and the substitutions immediately injected urgency into Uruguay’s attack.
As Uruguay increased the pressure, Saudi Arabia retreated deeper into their own half. Around the hour mark, Manuel Ugarte came within inches of equalising when his long-range strike crashed against the post.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the closing stages. Al-Owais failed to deal cleanly with a routine situation, allowing Araujo to seize on the rebound and score.
Uruguay pushed hard for a winner during the final minutes, but Saudi Arabia defended stubbornly to secure a valuable point and keep Group H finely balanced, heading into the next round of fixtures.
Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
