Kevin Pina’s free-kick and Hélio Varela’s second goal earned Cape Verde a 2-2 draw against Uruguay to leave Group H ready for the final day.Cape Verde continued one of the most encouraging stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by holding two-time national champions Uruguay 2-2 at the Miami Stadium, securing a second point in a row and keeping alive their dream of reaching the knockout stages in their first appearance at football’s biggest competition.Just days after disappointing Spain in a goalless draw, the players refused to be intimidated by the old football team. This time they went above and beyond, scoring the first two World Cup goals in their history and recovering from a Uruguay team that arrived in Miami under a lot of pressure after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.For Marcelo Bielsa’s side, another draw means qualification is not settled in preparation for a tough final day meeting with Spain. For Cape Verde, a country of around 530,000 people and the third smallest country to compete in the FIFA World Cup, the result represented another historic victory when few expected them to compete well.The difference between the two types could not be greater. Uruguay entered the tournament as former world champions, having lifted the coveted trophy in the 1930s and 1950s, while Cape Verde competed in the World Cup and relied heavily on a squad from European nations. However for much of the evening, the newcomers again showed the organisation, resilience and belief that have made them one of the most favored teams in the tournament.Uruguay started as expected, dominating the country and trying to establish control. Bielsa’s team eventually finished the game with 66 percent of the ball, completed more attacks and took 16 shots compared to Cape Verde’s five. Yet despite controlling the game numerically, they found themselves caught off guard midway through the first half in a moment that has gone down in Cape Verdean football history.The victory came in the 21st minute when Cape Verde won a free-kick more than 30 meters from the goal. Midfielder Kevin Pina stepped up and produced a superb drive, driving powerfully from 32 meters past the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was not only impressive in execution but also historic, being Cape Verde’s first goal at the FIFA World Cup.Miami Stadium erupted as players and supporters celebrated a moment that took years to come. For a brief moment, the possibility of another major depression suddenly felt real.Uruguay responded quickly and put Cape Verde inside their own half. The pressure finally told as the first half drew to a close.In the 43rd minute, Maximiliano Araújo got the breakthrough that Uruguay was looking for. A well-executed attack created space inside the penalty area and Araújo made no mistake, firing in an equalizing goal to restore the tie just before the break.The goal changed the momentum of the contest and Uruguay struck again shortly after. In the first half of stoppage time, Agustín Canobbio made quick work of a loose ball inside the area, slotting home to complete the conversion and send Uruguay to the dressing room with a 2-1 lead.At this point, the game seemed to be moving in a normal direction. Uruguay had recovered from conceding and looked ready to use their skill and creativity to seal a vital victory.Cape Verde, however, had other ideas.The second half brought another chapter in what is fast becoming the most interesting story of this World Cup. In the 60th minute, confusion within the Uruguayan defense gave them a chance that they refused to waste.A clash between defenders Matías Olivera and veteran midfielder Fernando Muslera left the ball unmarked. Hélio Varela reacted immediately, pouncing on the error before calmly slotting into the net for his first international goal.The tie boosted Cape Verde’s belief and turned the last half hour into a test of endurance, concentration and defence.Uruguay rushed forward in search of a winner, producing wave after wave of attacks and forcing Cape Verde to go long without scoring. The South Americans finished with seven shots on target compared to Cape Verde’s three and repeatedly tested the resilience that had already frustrated Spain earlier in the tournament.However, Cape Verde’s security remained intact. Each approval, dismissal and challenge was met with more encouragement from a large group of supporters who felt that some notable outcome was possible.The drama escalated as Uruguay looked to have scored a late winner, only to be denied by VAR intervention. The strike was eventually called off, saving the contract and setting a deadline.Despite the pressure, Cape Verde refused to budge. Their players continued to get themselves into trouble and block shots, while Uruguay struggled to find the decisive moment that would have salvaged all three points.When the final whistle blew, the Cape Verdean players fell to the ground in celebration. Another draw may not seem unusual on paper, but during their journey, this was a result that seemed as important as success.The results have left Group H well prepared heading into the finals. Spain’s big 4-0 win against Saudi Arabia earlier in the day saw them climb to the top of the table with four points and a +4 difference.Uruguay and Cape Verde are now level on two points each, both unbeaten after two games and both still in contention for qualification. Saudi Arabia remains at the bottom with one point but is not yet out of the reckoning.
| Responsibility | Group | He played | You have won | Drawn | A loser | Difference in Scores | The point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 4 |
| 2 | Uruguay | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Cape Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -4 | 1 |
The last day of the game now promises a high-profile game. Uruguay face a must-win showdown against Spain if they want to secure a place in the Round of 32, while Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia knowing a win could complete one of the most important draws in recent World Cup history.For a nation making its debut, Cape Verde has already exceeded expectations. In Spain he showed that he belonged. Against Uruguay they did not by accident.
