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Cape Verde rallies to hold Uruguay in World Cup shock draw
By Aurax Desk | June 22, 2026 | 2 min read
The national team of Cape Verde produced one of the standout results of the 2026 World Cup group stage after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uruguay in Miami. The result kept the debutants unbeaten in the tournament and left former champions Uruguay under pressure in a tightly contested Group H.
Cape Verde players celebrate after Hélder Varela’s second-half equalizer secured a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami.
Cape Verde took a surprise lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored from a long-range free kick, registering the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. Uruguay responded before halftime, with Maxi Araújo and Agustín Canobbio turning the match around to give the South American side a 2-1 lead at the break. The match shifted again in the second half after Cape Verde substitute Hélder Varela capitalized on a defensive error to level the score, sealing a second straight draw for the tournament newcomers following their earlier result against Spain.
The game featured sustained pressure from Uruguay, a two-time world champion known for its tournament pedigree and defensive discipline, but Cape Verde’s compact structure and quick transitions repeatedly unsettled their opponents. Uruguay had opportunities to regain control late in the match, but failed to convert key chances as Cape Verde held firm under pressure. The result leaves both teams with two points in the group standings heading into their final matches, with qualification for the knockout stage still undecided.
Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, ESPN, Sky Sports, BBC Sport.
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