2026 FIFA World Cup | Group H | Monday June 22
- Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s dream FIFA World Cup campaign remained alive after the island nation fought back to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against former champions Uruguay at Miami Stadium.
After holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opening Group H match, Bubista’s side once again proved they belong on football’s biggest stage, recovering from a half-time deficit to claim another valuable point.
Cape Verde stunned Uruguay in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina curled a brilliant free-kick from 34 yards into the bottom corner after Telmo Arcanjo had been fouled.
Uruguay responded just before the break with two quick goals to turn the game around.
Maxi Araujo levelled in the 44th minute, heading home after Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort had bounced off the post. Deep into stoppage time, Agustin Canobbio completed the comeback, calmly guiding Araujo’s knock-down past goalkeeper Vozinha to give the South Americans a 2-1 lead at half-time.
But Cape Verde refused to give in. The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute when Varela took advantage of a defensive mix-up and slotted home to spark celebrations among the Cape Verde fans.
Uruguay dominated much of the second half and pushed hard for a winner with legendary striker Luis Suarez watching from the stands. However, Cape Verde’s defence, led superbly by Pico Lopes and Sidny Lopes Cabral, stood firm to secure another famous result.
The draw leaves Group H finely balanced. Spain top the standings with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde both have two points, with Uruguay ahead on goals scored. Saudi Arabia sit bottom with one point.
Cape Verde will now face Saudi Arabia in their final group game knowing that a better result than Uruguay manage against Spain could send them into the knockout stage and complete one of the World Cup’s most remarkable stories.
Watch all the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup matches live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels – Everything Can Wait.
