FIFA WC 2026: Cabo Verde claim historic draw against two-time champions Uruguay

Debutants Cabo Verde continued their impressive maiden FIFA World Cup campaign by battling back to secure a 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay at Miami Stadium, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage firmly alive.

Cabo Verde stunned Uruguay in the opening half when Kevin Pina etched his name into the nation’s football history by scoring their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. The midfielder curled a superb long-range free-kick into the bottom corner to hand the African side a surprise lead.

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Uruguay responded strongly before the break. Maximiliano Araujo restored parity after Rodrigo Bentancur’s header struck the post, and Agustin Canobbio completed the turnaround moments later to give La Celeste a 2-1 advantage heading into half-time.

Despite Uruguay dominating possession for much of the second half, Cabo Verde found a route back into the contest in the 61st minute. A defensive mix-up allowed substitute Helio Varela to intercept a loose pass, round veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and calmly slot home the equaliser.

“I had dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words,” Varela said after the match.

Uruguay pressed relentlessly for a winner, introducing Darwin Nunez in the closing stages to bolster their attack. The South Americans created several promising opportunities, including a late chance for Federico Valverde, but Cabo Verde’s resilient defence stood firm.

Veteran goalkeepers Muslera and Vozinha also made history, becoming the first pair of goalkeepers aged over 40 to start the same FIFA World Cup match.

Cabo Verde coach Bubista praised his team’s determination after securing a second consecutive draw against former world champions.

“I want to congratulate the team and all of our people for the way we played, with our hearts. We finished the match under a lot of difficulty, with many players suffering from cramps. But our team was brave throughout and always looked to win the game,” Bubista said.

The result leaves Group H finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures. Cabo Verde now have two points from two matches and know that a victory over Saudi Arabia in their final group game would secure a historic place in the last 32.

For Uruguay, however, qualification remains in jeopardy after a second successive draw following their 1-1 stalemate with Saudi Arabia, leaving the two-time world champions under pressure to deliver in their final group-stage encounter.