Cape Verde continued their fairytale start at the 2026 World Cup, holding Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Miami Stadium in the early hours of Monday.
The result leaves qualification from Group H finely poised, with both sides still firmly in contention for a place in the round of 32 ahead of the final round of group matches.
Uruguay entered the contest under pressure following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde arrived buoyed by their shock goalless draw with Spain in their maiden World Cup appearance.
The African side made the brighter start and stunned the South Americans when Kevin Pina etched his name into Cape Verdean football history.
The midfielder curled a superb free-kick beyond the Uruguay wall to score Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, sending the sizeable contingent of Blue Sharks supporters into celebration.
Uruguay responded positively and gradually asserted control through Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield.
Their pressure paid off when Maximiliano Araujo reacted quickest inside the penalty area to convert a rebound and restore parity. The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Uruguay’s favour as Marcelo Bielsa’s side intensified their attacks.
The South Americans completed the turnaround just before the interval.
Agustin Canobbio met a well-worked attacking move and finished clinically to put Uruguay 2-1 ahead heading into halftime.
Having surrendered the lead, Cape Verde emerged for the second half with renewed determination.
Uruguay dominated possession and created several openings, but the African underdogs refused to buckle. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha once again produced a composed display behind a disciplined defensive unit.
The decisive moment arrived when Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera committed a costly error.
A defensive mix-up allowed Hélio Varela to seize possession and calmly slot home the equaliser, scoring his first international goal and silencing the Uruguayan supporters inside the stadium.
Uruguay pushed relentlessly for a winner during the closing stages, with Valverde and Araujo both going close, but Cape Verde stood firm to secure another famous result.
For Cape Verde, the draw represented another historic milestone in a tournament already filled with memorable moments. After frustrating Spain in their opener, they followed it up by claiming a valuable point against two-time world champions Uruguay.
Uruguay, meanwhile, remain without a victory after two match and now face a crucial final Group H clash against Spain, while Cape Verde will take on Saudi Arabia with hopes of reaching the knockout rounds still alive.
Later in the day, Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 to earn their first-ever World Cup victory.
