MIAMI — Cape Verde continued its remarkable debut FIFA World Cup campaign by holding Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in a Group H match at Miami Stadium on Sunday, earning another valuable point against one of world football’s traditional powers.
The result followed Cape Verde’s surprise goalless draw against Spain in its opening match and left the tournament newcomers unbeaten after two group-stage games. Uruguay, meanwhile, remained without a victory after also drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in its first fixture.
Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute through Kevin Pina, whose free-kick caught Uruguay’s defense off guard and found the net. Uruguay responded before halftime when Maximiliano Araújo scored in the 44th minute after a rebound fell kindly inside the penalty area.
Uruguay controlled large portions of possession and spent much of the match pressing for a winner, but Cape Verde’s defense remained organized and goalkeeper Vozinha produced another composed performance. The 40-year-old goalkeeper had already drawn international attention after helping Cape Verde secure a 0-0 draw against Spain in the nation’s first-ever World Cup match.
Prior to kickoff, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa altered his lineup by leaving striker Darwin Núñez out of the starting team and reinforcing the midfield. The move came after Uruguay’s disappointing opening draw against Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain, goalkeeper Vozinha said the team was determined to compete despite entering the tournament as an outsider. “We showed that we belong here,” he said, according to FIFA.
The match was played in hot and humid conditions in Miami, where temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius and supporters from both countries gathered in large numbers despite the weather. Fans sought shade and hydration as concerns over heat conditions remained a topic of discussion during the expanded 2026 tournament.
The draw left Group H tightly contested heading into the final round of matches. According to tournament schedules, Cape Verde’s final group game is against Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay is set to face Spain. Qualification scenarios remained unresolved following Sunday’s result.
