Cabo Verde holds Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami

Cabo Verde achieved a historic 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their second match of the 2026 World Cup Group H, held in Miami. The African nation proved resilient, twice coming from behind to secure a valuable point.

Cabo Verde took a surprising lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored their first-ever World Cup goal with a powerful free-kick that beat Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. However, Uruguay quickly responded, scoring two goals before halftime. Maximiliano Araújo equalized in the 44th minute, and Agustín Canobbio added another in stoppage time, seemingly putting Uruguay in control.

Despite Uruguay's late first-half surge, Cabo Verde showed remarkable determination. In the 61st minute, Hélio Varela capitalized on a significant error by Uruguay's defense to score the equalizer, making it 2-2. The final half-hour saw Uruguay dominate possession and push for a winner, but Cabo Verde's defense held firm.

With this result, both Cabo Verde and Uruguay now have two points in Group H. They trail Spain, who have four points, and are ahead of Saudi Arabia, who have one. In the final group matches, Uruguay will face Spain, while Cabo Verde will play Saudi Arabia.