Cape Verde is fighting for the second World Cup 2-2 against Uruguay | World Cup 2026

Uruguay will need a win in Spain next week to avoid a second consecutive exit from the FIFA World Cup.

World Cup qualifiers Cape Verde scored a second-half goal to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami, helping their impressive opening campaign. against Spain.

Cape Verde took a stunning lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored their first World Cup goal from a free-kick, but Uruguay struck twice before half-time through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio.

But a mistake by Uruguay’s 40-year-old Fernando Muslera allowed Helio Varela to grab Cape Verde’s second goal just after the hour mark, and neither team found a winner on Sunday.

Cape Verde boosted their hopes of reaching the finals with their second point in Group H.

The African island nation faces Saudi Arabia, was beaten by Spain 4-0 earlier on Sunday, in their final game this coming Saturday, knowing that a win would secure the last round of 32.

Two-time internationals Uruguay’s hopes are in serious jeopardy, however, after being challenged again by inferior opponents to follow. 1-1 with the Saudis.

The South Americans may need to beat European champions Spain next week to avoid a second consecutive World Cup exit.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes to the team, which took place against Saudi Arabia, while Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez dropped to the bench.

Bubista chose three changes for his Cape Verde team, all attacking.

Cape Verde started with a goal to go further than they had seen against Spain, but it was Uruguay who created the first opening, when Federico Valverde curled a shot from the left.

But the hosts held on as Pina hit a long-range header through the Uruguayan’s foul wall and past Muslera.

Uruguay narrowly missed their equalizer when it arrived in the 44th minute.

Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral headed the ball at his post under pressure from Rodrigo Bentancur, and Araujo bent down to nod and repeat, and Cape Verde Voice goalkeeper unstable.

He completed the conversion in the sixth minute of extra time in the first half, when Canobbio turned Araujo’s head on the volley.

Uruguay looked in control early in the second half, until Muslera came off in the 61st minute and Cape Verdean substitute Varela took advantage of the opportunity to roll the ball into an empty net after his first touch.

Vozinha, the hero of the match between Cape Verde and Spain, held his breath for Araujo to enter, but his embarrassment was saved by the flag.

Real Madrid midfielder Valverde fired a late volley over the bar from just outside the box, leaving Uruguay on the brink of a disappointing exit.