Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
Uruguay left it late to save a point against Saudi Arabia in a 1-1 draw that leaves World Cup 2026 Group H wide open, especially after Cape Verde produced one of the biggest World Cup 2026 results to date, holding Spain to a goalless draw.
Saudi Arabia looked on their way to record another upset on the opening matchday (like against Argentina in 2022) when Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring late in the first half. However, Uruguay persevered, and Maximiliano Araujo scored the much-needed equaliser.
The result is actually commendable for both sides, especially for Uruguay, who had been through a logistical nightmare heading into this match. After holding a pre-tournament training camp in Mexico, La Celeste’s flight to Miami was delayed, as their plane was initially not cleared.
But after the match, Uruguay can at least boast that they’re on top of their group for the next few days. Saudi Arabia can say the same since they’re right behind their CONMEBOL counterparts.
Here’s the SBOTOP recap of the fun match at Hard Rock Stadium.
Highlights of the game
Uruguay were off to a fast start, as they almost scored the match’s first goal. During the fifth minute, Maximiliano Araujo fired a volley from outside the box, but Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais blocked the shot. After that, Federico Vinas mistimed his header from the resulting corner.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men controlled the ball during the first 35 minutes, but they were unable to break down the Green Falcons’ resolute defence. Saudi Arabia then gained momentum towards the end of the half after the first hydration break, as Abdulelah Al-Amri forced a save from Fernando Muslera. But the Uruguayan goalie couldn’t do anything a few minutes later when Al-Amri scored off a rebound from Mohamed Kanno’s header after a corner kick.
During halftime, head coach Marcelo Bielsa took off Darwin Nunez, who started as one of the two strikers in his 4-4-2 formation because the Al-Hilal forward struggled to make an impact. Agustin Canobbio took Nunez’s place, but the 27-year-old Fluminense forward suffered a knock when he was caught on the thigh by Moteb Al-Harbi’s boot and appeared to want the Saudi Arabian full-back to be sent off.
Uruguay were back on top to open the second half, and they went close to an equaliser when Manuel Ugarte’s strike from long range was tipped onto the post by Al-Owais’ fingertips.
La Celeste eventually levelled the match in the 80th minute when Araujo fired in at the near post from a tight angle after Al-Owais kept out Vinas’ initial header. Substitutes Nicolas De La Cruz and Fede Valverde both went close to scoring a second for La Celeste in stoppage time, but Al-Owais held his ground just enough for the draw.
Key statistics
Uruguay played on the front foot against Saudi Arabia, as they had more total shots (27 to seven), shots on target (10 to three), and possession of the football (65-per cent). Surprisingly, La Celeste didn’t even get booked, while the Green Falcons had only one yellow card for Abdulelah Al-Amri. Uruguay finished with a 1.59 xG, while Saudi Arabia had 0.99 xG.
Maximilian Araujo is the first Uruguayan player to score on his World Cup debut since Diego Forlan did so in 2002 against Senegal, while he has been directly involved in more goals than any other Uruguayan across their last two major competitions (Copa America and World Cup), notching three goals and one assist.
Mohammed Al-Owais had nine saves to deny Uruguay the win. If they beat Spain or Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia will likely progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 1994 in the United States, when they reached the Round of 16.
Saudi Arabia haven’t had a clean sheet in the World Cup since their famous 1-0 victory over Belgium in 1994.
What’s next?
Uruguay won’t face any airplane-related delays anytime soon, as they will stay in South Beach for at least one more week. La Celeste will take on Cape Verde this Saturday night before they head back to Zapopan, Mexico, to face Spain in their final Group H contest. If they beat Cape Verde, they’re in great shape to directly secure their spot in the knockouts.
Saudi Arabia will face Spain next, and the World Cup 2026 odds expect them to lose since Spain might vent their ire on them following their disappointing draw against Cape Verde earlier today. The Green Falcons will wrap up their group stage campaign against Cape Verde at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on June 26th.
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