Cape Verde hold South American powerhouse Uruguay to a 2-2 draw, scoring their first-ever World Cup goals after rallying from a halftime deficit

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha waves his country's flag after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match against Spain in Atlanta on June 15. [AFP]
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha waves his country's flag after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match against Spain in Atlanta on June 15. [AFP]

Cape Verde, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, extended their stunning run by holding South American powerhouse Uruguay to a draw — and scoring their first goals in tournament history.

The two sides played to a 2-2 draw Monday at 7 a.m. Korean Standard Time at Miami Stadium in Florida in their second Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Uruguay lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fernando Muslera, Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Matias Olivera, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte, Agustin Canobbio, Federico Valverde, Maxi Araujo and Federico Vinas in the starting XI.

Cape Verde countered with a 4-1-4-1 setup, fielding Vozinha, Steven Moreira, Fico Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidney Cabral, Kevin Pina, Ryan Mendes, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues and Gilson Benchimol from the start.

Uruguay dominated early, but Cape Verde struck first. In the 21st minute, midfielder Kevin Pina converted a long-range free kick — won by defender Sidney Cabral — with a powerful right-footed shot, giving Cape Verde their first-ever World Cup goal.

The lead did not last long. In the 44th minute, a cross from Uruguay midfielder Valverde deflected off a Cape Verde defender and hit the post before Maxi Araujo headed in the rebound to level the score.

Uruguay then took the lead in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time. Striker Agustin Canobbio latched onto a header from Araujo and finished with his right foot. Goalkeeper Vozinha, who had been outstanding against Spain, conceded twice as Uruguay led 2-1 at halftime.

Cape Verde came out stronger in the second half. Arcanjo, who felt pain in his thigh, was substituted off and replaced by Duarte.

Cape Verde equalized in the 60th minute. A ball played into the middle by Uruguay defender Olivera rolled perfectly between the goalkeeper and a center back, and Cape Verde forward Varela intercepted it to score.

Both teams traded chances in a frantic finish, but despite eight minutes of stoppage time, neither side could find a winner and the match ended 2-2.

The result extended Cape Verde's remarkable World Cup debut — they had already drawn with title contenders Spain, and now held Uruguay, ranked 16th in the world and home to superstars including Valverde (Real Madrid) and Bentancur (Tottenham Hotspur). For Uruguay, the inaugural World Cup champions, the draw was a blow to their pride. Cape Verde, by contrast, are competing in the tournament for the first time.

Cape Verde had failed to score against Spain but netted twice against Uruguay. Goalkeeper Vozinha, the hero of their earlier upset, conceded two goals in the first half but kept a clean sheet after the break.

However, Cape Verde's path to the round of 32 remains uncertain. Despite the draw, Uruguay moved to second place in Group H on goals scored, with Cape Verde in third. Uruguay will need to beat Spain, while Cape Verde must defeat Saudi Arabia, to improve their chances of advancing.


hyuk@heraldcorp.com