Debutants Cape Verde remain unbeaten in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in their second Group H match at the Miami Stadium late Sunday.
Cape Verde had already stunned the football world by holding 2010 champions Spain to a goalless draw in their group opener last week, and they carried that momentum into this match.
The Cape Verdeans took the lead after Kevin Pina fired home a thunderous free kick in the 21st minute. The strike was Cape Verde’s first goal in World Cup history.
However, Maxi Araujo equalised for Uruguay from a header in the 44th minute before Agustin Canobbio fired home moments before the half-time whistle, giving the South American country the lead going into the break.
Despite being behind, Cape Verde did not relent defensively or in attack and scored an equaliser when Helio Varela intercepted a poor pass and immediately launched the ball into an open net.
Cape Verde has now managed to avoid defeat in their first two matches in World Cup history, despite facing Spain and Uruguay, putting the country in an advantageous position to clinch a ticket to the round of 32.
A win against Saudi Arabia in their last group match will certainly guarantee the Blue Whales a spot in the knockout round.
