Cape Verde continued their impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw with two-time winners Uruguay in their Group H fixture at Miami Stadium on Sunday.
The Blue Sharks held European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their historic debut World Cup game, and recorded another point against Marcelo Bielsa’s side to increase their chances of advancing to the knockouts.
Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute through an excellent direct free-kick from Kevin Pina. The Krasnodar midfielder took a long run up before firing a low and powerful effort from over 30 yards out, beating Fernando Muslera to find the bottom corner and put his side 1-0 up.
It was another historic milestone for Cape Verde, as it marked their first-ever goal at the World Cup.
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However, Uruguay turned the game on its head as Maxi Araujo found the net with a diving header in the 44th minute, before providing an assist minutes later for Agustín Canobbio to put the South American side in front, completing a remarkable comeback on the cusp of half-time.
Cape Verde refused to accept defeat, scoring again in the 61st minute to level the score line. After a calamitous mistake from Uruguay at the back, substitute Hélio Varela pounced and took advantage, finding the net just 136 seconds after coming on to make it 2-2.
Uruguay thought they made it 3-2 in the 68th minute as Araujo scored once again. However, the offside flag was raised, and a VAR check confirmed the lineman’s decision.
The last few minutes saw both nations go for a late victory. Uruguay created a couple of chances to snatch the winner, but Cape Verde’s defense stood strong. The African side then got another direct free-kick in the 97th minute, this time taken by Laros Duarte. But his long-range effort was saved by Muslera, as both sides settled for a point each.
The result means that Uruguay and Cape Verde are both on two points, with the South American side sitting second in Group H having scored more goals (3) than the World Cup debutants (2).
Uruguay will face a huge task in their final group game as they take on European champions Spain on Saturday, June 27. If Uruguay lose that game, Cape Verde will go through to the next round even with a draw against Saudi Arabia in their third group match.
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