Read on France 24World Cup 2026: Uruguay 1-1 Saudi Arabia in Group H Opener
A detailed report on the opening Group H match of the 2026 World Cup, where Saudi Arabia held two-time champions Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in Miami. The result leaves Group H wide open after debutants Cape Verde also held Spain to a goalless draw.
The 2026 World Cup kicked off with a shock in Group H as Saudi Arabia, four years after stunning eventual champions Argentina, held two-time champions Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in the sweltering Miami heat. The result, combined with tournament debutants Cape Verde's earlier scoreless draw against European champions Spain, leaves the group finely poised and wide open.
Uruguay's Dominant Start, Wasteful Finishing
Uruguay, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, began the match with the swagger of favourites. In the fifth minute, left winger Maxi Araujo turned on the edge of the box and angled a shot that Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais parried away. However, barring a Federico Vinas diving header on the half-hour mark, which Alowais also saved, the Uruguayans lacked accuracy and often looked casual at the back.
Saudi Arabia's Courageous Tactics Pay Off
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis had promised a courageous approach, and his side's attack sparked into life in the 36th minute when left back Moteb Alharbi was cynically fouled 30 metres from goal. Two minutes later, Abdulelah Al Amri had a shot saved by Fernando Muslera, but the Uruguay goalkeeper was soon powerless. Mohamed Kanno met a corner from Musab Aljuwayr, and although Muslera saved the powerful header, Al Amri was on hand to tap the rebound into the net.
Bielsa's Changes Spark Uruguay Response
After a toothless first period, Uruguay's coach Marcelo Bielsa made changes, dragging off defender Matias Vina and forward Darwin Nunez. The introduction of winger Agustin Canobbio and left-sided Juan Manuel Sanabria sparked Uruguay into action. Their gameplan immediately looked more coherent, with crosses into the box and a string of headers for Alowais to deal with. Defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte came within inches of an equaliser in the 60th minute, only for his shot to bounce off the far post.
Late Equaliser and Frenetic Finish
Vinas had been Uruguay's best aerial threat, and the breakthrough came from one of his headers 10 minutes from time. Alowais again saved the header, but the ball fell to Araujo, who controlled it and clipped it into the net. Uruguay poured forward, with Federico Valverde and Jose Maria Gimenez coming close, but Alowais made crucial saves to secure a point for Saudi Arabia.
Group H Wide Open
The draw leaves Group H wide open. Both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia have one point, level with Spain and Cape Verde after the European champions were held to a scoreless draw by the tournament debutants. Saudi Arabia will take immense confidence from their performance, while Uruguay will need to rediscover their cutting edge. The next round of matches will be crucial in determining which two teams progress to the knockout stage.
