Uruguay drew 2-2 with Cape Verde in a dramatic Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as debutants Cape Verde snatched a resilient point from two-time world champions Uruguay. Kevin Pina and Helio Varela scored for the Blue Sharks, while Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio netted for La Celeste.
Key Takeaways
- Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay in their Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal from a stunning free-kick.
- Uruguay took a 2-1 lead at half-time but conceded a late equaliser through Helio Varela.
- Cape Verde remain unbeaten after two World Cup matches on their tournament debut, earning 2 points from draws with Spain and Uruguay.
- Uruguay dropped valuable points against a resilient underdog, leaving Group H standings tightly contested.
Match Highlights
Watch the key moments from this dramatic Group H encounter below:
How did the goals go in?
Cape Verde took a shock lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina fired a stunning long-range direct free-kick that beat a weak two-man Uruguay wall, marking Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a World Cup.
Uruguay equalised just before half-time in the 44th minute when Maxi Araujo rose to head home from close range.
La Celeste took a 2-1 lead at the break in first-half stoppage time (45+6) as Agustin Canobbio flicked home a redirect from an Araujo cross to put Uruguay ahead.
Cape Verde refused to give up and equalised in the 61st minute when substitute Helio Varela capitalised on a poor square pass by Mathias Olivera, flicking the ball over goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to make it 2-2.
How did the match unfold?
The first half saw Cape Verde take a shock lead through Pina’s free-kick, but Uruguay responded with pressure and took a 2-1 advantage into the break thanks to Araujo’s header and Canobbio’s stoppage-time finish.
The second half saw Uruguay push for a winner, having more of the ball and creating several chances, but Cape Verde defended resolutely. The Blue Sharks were rewarded for their resilience when Varela capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-2, and they nearly took a late lead before being denied by a last-ditch challenge from Rodrigo Bentancur.
How did Uruguay drop the points?
Despite dominating possession and creating far more chances, Uruguay’s sloppy defending proved costly. A poor square pass by Mathias Olivera allowed substitute Helio Varela to slip past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera for the equaliser. The two-time world champions also saw a goal ruled out for offside around the 68th minute, leaving them frustrated as Cape Verde’s resilience earned them a valuable point.
Match stats
| Stat | Uruguay | Cape Verde |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 62 percent | 38 percent |
| Total shots | 17 | 12 |
| Shots on target | 2 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.34 | 0.86 |
The stats highlight Uruguay’s dominance in possession and shot volume, but Cape Verde’s clinical efficiency was on full display with four shots on target compared to Uruguay’s two.
Why is this result notable?
This match was a major upset for the two-time world champions Uruguay, who were heavy favourites against Cape Verde, a tiny island nation of around 525,000 people. Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Spain earlier in the tournament and this draw with Uruguay mean they are unbeaten through their first two World Cup matches as debutants, earning 2 points and defying all expectations.
What does it mean for Group H?
After matchday 2, Spain top the group on 4 points following their 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Uruguay sit second on 2 points with a goal difference of zero and three goals scored, while Cape Verde are third on 2 points with a goal difference of zero and two goals scored. Saudi Arabia has one point.
In the final round of group matches on Friday, June 26, 2026, Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium (FIFA name “Houston Stadium”) in Houston and can reach the Round of 32 by avoiding defeat. Uruguay will need a result against Spain at Estadio Akron (FIFA name “Estadio Guadalajara”) in Zapopan, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Uruguay vs Cape Verde?
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Cape Verde securing a resilient point against two-time world champions Uruguay.
Who scored the goals in the match?
Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina and Helio Varela scored their respective goals, while Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio netted for Uruguay.
Is this Cape Verde’s first World Cup goal?
Yes, Kevin Pina’s stunning long-range free-kick in the 21st minute was Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a World Cup.
Where and when was the match played?
The game took place on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium (FIFA tournament name “Miami Stadium”) in Miami Gardens, Florida, with an attendance of 64,003.
How does this result affect Group H standings?
Cape Verde and Uruguay both have 2 points, while Spain leads with 4 points. Cape Verde can reach the Round of 32 by avoiding defeat to Saudi Arabia in their final match.
