Uruguay favourites, Cabo Verde chase another shock

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H, the tournament's surprise package Cabo Verde face two-time winners Uruguay on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The African side, who stunned Spain in their opener, are paired with another giant in their second group game.

Cabo Verde pulled off one of the all-time great upsets by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opener — an invaluable point that puts them in genuine contention for the last 32. Three points could be enough to progress, while four would all but seal it. After blocking Spain and clinching a famous result, Bubista's team will head into a fresh test with huge belief.

Uruguay, meanwhile, were unconvincing in their opener, an improved second-half display salvaging a draw against Saudi Arabia. Still, La Celeste enter Sunday as strong favourites for victory. Although Marcelo Bielsa has been targeted in the press by former national-team heroes, he remains a titan of the game and will demand more from his talented squad.

According to SI.com, despite the dressing-room tensions, Uruguay are by far the superior side on Sunday and should clinch a win that would all but guarantee their place in the last 32. A repeat of Cabo Verde's heroics against Spain is possible, but the physical and mental toll of that draw could work against them facing Uruguay. SI.com underlines Uruguay's attacking quality, noting that even though they scored only once against Saudi Arabia, they racked up 27 shots in total (10 on target). Cabo Verde, meanwhile, survived against Spain with an element of luck (Spain 2.1 xG, 51 touches in the box); resisting two onslaughts in a row looks tough.

Bielsa is expected to continue with his 4-4-2 and keep faith in Darwin Núñez, whom he withdrew at half-time. At left-back, Juan Sanabria could replace Matías Viña. Maxi Araújo, attracting interest from Europe's elite, will again be key on the left wing; Barcelona's Ronald Araújo is a doubt with injury. For Cabo Verde, no change of approach is expected; another outstanding display is required from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who shot to fame overnight. Captain Ryan Mendes will be key to both creating and finishing.

SI.com predict 2-0 to Uruguay.

Predicted XIs
Uruguay (4-4-2): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur, Araújo; Viñas, Núñez
Cabo Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, S. Cabral; Pina; Mendes, L. Duarte, Monteiro, J. Cabral; Livramento

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated