Historic resistance from Cabo Verde: 2-2 against Uruguay

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H, Cabo Verde drew 2-2 with favourites Uruguay at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, writing another historic result. The Caribbean island side, who held Spain to a goalless draw in their opener, again gave nothing away to the experienced South Americans and managed to take points off two big teams in two games.

Against expectations, Cabo Verde scored first. Lenini's goal in the 21st minute put the island side ahead and signalled a major shock. But Marcelo Bielsa's side, superior in possession and chance creation, turned it around before the break: Maximiliano Araújo made it 1-1 in the 44th, and in the 45+6 Agustín Canobbio met Araújo's cross to put his team 2-1 up. La Celeste went into the dressing room ahead.

In the second half, Cabo Verde's resistance bore fruit. Heriberto Varela's goal in the 61st made it 2-2 and restored parity. Although Uruguay tried to keep their edge, they could not change the outcome; Araújo's finish in the 68th was ruled out for offside. Bielsa brought on the likes of Darwin Núñez and Manuel Ugarte in search of the win, but the Cabo Verde defence held firm.

The stats showed Uruguay's superiority: La Celeste reached 65% possession and 2.35 expected goals (xG), with Cabo Verde on 0.86. Uruguay had 17 shots, Cabo Verde 12. Lopes Cabral (5'), Bentancur (20'), Olivera (58') and Borges (90+3') were booked. The match was officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas, with over 64,000 fans in the stands.

With this result, Cabo Verde continued their run in the group with a historic performance and strengthened their bid for a last-32 place. Favourites Uruguay, having drawn both games, kept dropping points and took their qualifying maths to the final match.

Image: Khel Now