Cape Verde holds Uruguay to 2-2 draw, stays unbeaten in World Cup debut

Cape Verde, ranked 63rd in the world, continued to defy expectations at the 2026 World Cup by holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami. The result gives the island nation two points from two matches, after it also held European champion Spain to a goalless draw in its opener. Uruguay, the 16th-ranked side and twice a world champion, has now drawn both of its group matches and faces a difficult path to the knockout rounds.

First half: a historic goal and a Uruguayan comeback

Cape Verde struck first in the 21st minute. Kevin Pina (also referred to as Kevin Lenini in some reports) drove a low free kick from roughly 25 metres through a porous two-man wall and past the experienced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. It was Cape Verde's first ever World Cup goal. Uruguay equalised just before half-time when Maximiliano Araújo tapped in a rebound after a header from Rodrigo Bentancur hit the post. Deep in stoppage time, Agustin Canobbio made it 2-1 from close range after Araújo headed the ball across goal.

1. Jun 21, 202621' Kevin Pina scores Cape Verde's first World Cup goal from a free kick (0-1)
2. Jun 21, 202644' Maximiliano Araújo equalises after a rebound off the post (1-1)
3. Jun 21, 202645+6' Agustin Canobbio puts Uruguay ahead from close range (2-1)
4. Jun 21, 202660' Hélio Varela capitalises on a defensive error to make it 2-2

Second half: defensive errors and a disallowed goal

Cape Verde drew level on the hour mark after a calamitous sequence in the Uruguayan defence. Mathias Olivera played a loose pass across his own half, Muslera rushed far out of his goal and missed the ball, and substitute Hélio Varela controlled it in the air before volleying into an empty net. Uruguay thought it had regained the lead when Araújo scored again, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, the hero against Spain, survived a chaotic scramble in his own box and made several late saves as Uruguay pressed desperately.

Rotterdam roots and a suspended defender

Five Rotterdam-born players featured for Cape Verde. Sidny Lopes Cabral, Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues started the match, while brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte both appeared as substitutes. Lopes Cabral received an early yellow card, his second of the tournament, and will be suspended for the final group match against Saudi Arabia. Before the game, he had predicted a physical contest, saying,

It will be war.

Group outlook

Cape Verde and Uruguay each have two points, two behind group leaders Spain, who beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 earlier in the day. Cape Verde faces Saudi Arabia in its last group match, while Uruguay must take on Spain. Uruguay coach Garcia acknowledged the disappointment, telling reporters,

The disappointment is great, efficiency was lacking.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, can reach the knockout stage with a win.