Uruguay and Cape Verde chase first World Cup win after opening draws leave Group H level

Opening draws

Uruguay's debut against Saudi Arabia ended 1–1 despite a lopsided performance. The Celeste controlled 66.8% of possession and fired 27 shots, yet needed a goal from Maximiliano Araújo to salvage a point. Their 34 crosses into the box were the highest tally of the first matchday, but finishing again proved elusive. Marcelo Bielsa later conceded his side should have dispatched an opponent he rated as inferior.

Cape Verde, competing in their first World Cup, produced a defensive masterclass to hold Spain to a 0–0 draw. The Blue Sharks neutralised the European champions with a compact shape, with centre-back Logan Costa and forward Dailon Livramento among the standouts. The result sent a signal that the group is not a straightforward path for the historically stronger sides.

Group picture

After the first round, all four teams in Group H sit on one point. Uruguay edge the table on goals scored, ahead of Saudi Arabia and Spain, with Cape Verde fourth only on alphabetical order. The configuration means a win in Miami would propel either side into a strong position before the final group fixtures.

Key performers

Araújo created five scoring chances against Saudi Arabia, a figure no Uruguayan had reached in a World Cup match since 2010. Left-back Mathias Olivera orchestrated build-up from deep, completing 11 passes that broke opposition lines and recording 31 progressive carries. For Cape Verde, the central defensive pairing of Costa and Roberto Lopes held Spain at bay, while Livramento's pace offered a threat on the break.

Match details

Uruguay and Cape Verde kick off at 00:01 on Monday 22 June (Spanish peninsular time), equivalent to late Sunday evening in Miami, at Hard Rock Stadium. The match is broadcast in Spain on DAZN. Both nations will then close the group stage against Spain and Saudi Arabia respectively, making the encounter a crucial swing game for qualification hopes.