Uruguay and Cape Verde played out a 2-2 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, with Hélio Varela’s 61′ equaliser ensuring the points were shared after La Celeste had turned the match around through Maxi Araújo at 44′ and Agustín Canobbio at 45’+6′.
At Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, this Group H fixture developed into one of the more compelling results of the round. Cape Verde struck first through Kevin Pina at 21′, the midfielder bending home a free-kick to punish an early Uruguay lapse and give the underdogs a deserved lead.
For long spells, Uruguay had plenty of the ball and territorial control, finishing with 65.3 percent possession and 11 corners, but their dominance did not always translate into clear chances. Cape Verde stayed compact without the ball, limited central space, and looked dangerous when they broke forward or attacked dead-ball situations.
Uruguay finally found their rhythm late in the first half. Maxi Araújo levelled at 44′ with a header, giving Marcelo Bielsa’s side a foothold just before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Agustín Canobbio completed the turnaround at 45’+6′, sending Uruguay into the break 2-1 ahead and seemingly in control.
That first-half swing felt pivotal, especially given how efficiently Uruguay had taken their limited efforts on target. Despite 17 total shots, they managed only two on frame, and both ended up in the net. Cape Verde, by contrast, were more direct and more clinical with their best moments, asking sharper questions when they advanced into the final third.
The equaliser arrived on 61 minutes and it was a fine one. Hélio Varela, on as a substitute, met the ball sweetly on the volley to make it 2-2 and swing momentum back toward Cape Verde. From there, Uruguay pushed again, using width and set-pieces to pin their opponents back, but Cape Verde held firm and saw out a valuable point.
There was a physical edge without the match tipping over, with bookings for Sidny Lopes Cabral at 5′, Rodrigo Bentancur at 20′, Mathías Olivera at 58′, and Diney Borges at 90’+3′. Uruguay committed 11 fouls to Cape Verde’s four, reflecting both their urgency and Cape Verde’s composure in transition.
Key performers
Varela made the biggest impact in the second half, changing the match with his 61′ volley and giving Cape Verde renewed belief. Kevin Pina’s 21′ free-kick set the tone for another confident Cape Verde display on this World Cup stage, while Araújo and Canobbio supplied Uruguay’s first-half response with well-timed goals at 44′ and 45’+6′.
From a broader tactical perspective, Cape Verde will be pleased with how efficiently they used their moments. Uruguay controlled possession and racked up corners, but Cape Verde matched them where it mattered most: in decisive actions inside the penalty area and in front of goal.
NerdSports Stat: Uruguay had 65.3% possession, 11 corners and 17 shots, but Cape Verde matched them 2-2 while recording twice as many shots on target, 4 to 2.
This draw leaves both teams still searching for a first win in Group H, with each now sitting on two points after back-to-back draws. For Uruguay, there is pressure to turn control into cleaner end product in the next fixture. For Cape Verde, another resilient result will only strengthen belief that they can stay in the qualification conversation deep into the group stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay: Maxi Araújo (44′), Agustín Canobbio (45’+6′). Cape Verde: Kevin Pina (21′), Hélio Varela (61′).
Uruguay 2 – 2 Cape Verde.
The draw leaves both Uruguay and Cape Verde on two points in Group H, keeping qualification scenarios open heading into the next round of fixtures.
Hélio Varela was the standout performer with his 61′ equaliser off the bench, a goal that secured Cape Verde an impressive point.
