Cape Verde produced another spirited World Cup performance on Sunday, June 21, 2026, coming from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami (USA), strengthening their hopes of a historic place in the knockout stage.
The World Cup debutants struck first in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina fired home a free-kick to register Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at the tournament, before Uruguay responded before half-time. Maxi Araujo levelled the contest in the 44th minute, capitalizing on pressure inside the box after a defensive scramble, and Agustín Canobbio completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time to give the two-time champions a 2-1 lead.
Uruguay appeared in control early in the second half, but a costly error from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera proved decisive. Helio Varela pounced on the mistake in the 61st minute to restore parity for Cape Verde. Both sides pushed for a winner in an open final phase, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match ended level.
The result leaves Cape Verde with two points from two matches, following their earlier draw against Spain, keeping their qualification hopes alive ahead of a decisive final group game against Saudi Arabia.
For Uruguay, the draw deepens their group-stage concerns, having also been held by Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture. The South American side may now require victory against Spain in their final match to avoid consecutive early exits from the competition.