Cabo Verde shock first, Uruguay respond: 2-1

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H, Uruguay closed the first half 2-1 up against Cabo Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The surprise side Cabo Verde, who held Spain to a goalless draw in their opener, again caught the eye by going ahead with an early goal; but experienced Uruguay managed to turn the game around before the break.

Against expectations, Cabo Verde took the lead first. In the 21st minute, Lenini's goal put the Caribbean island side 1-0 up and signalled another major shock. Marcelo Bielsa's side, superior in possession and chance creation, only found their goals at the end of the first half.

Uruguay's equaliser came in the 44th, when Maximiliano Araújo made it 1-1. La Celeste then took full control as the half wound down: in the 45+6, Agustín Canobbio met Araújo's cross inside the box and slotted home to make it 2-1 and put his team ahead. So Uruguay, having gone behind, headed to the dressing room 2-1 up.

The stats showed Uruguay's superiority: La Celeste reached 65% possession and 1.93 expected goals (xG), with Cabo Verde on 0.15. In the first half, Lopes Cabral (5') and Bentancur (20') were booked. The match is being officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas. Going into the second half 2-1 up, Uruguay will target the win, while Cabo Verde will again chase a historic result.

Image: Yahoo Sports