In Miami, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia played to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Group H. Abdulelah Alamri put Saudi Arabia ahead in the 41st minute, but Maxi Araujo equalized for Uruguay in the 80th minute, preventing another shock for the South American side after Spain had earlier been held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa called it a missed opportunity following Spain's dropped points. He said, “This was a rival we should have beaten. We didn't show up in the first half. We had to win this game.”
Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais put in a stellar performance to secure a point for his team. Coach Georgios Donis said, “We were very tired at the end, but to play like this against such an opponent and get a point is positive. I liked the spirit and passion of the players, but I think we have enough quality to play better.”
Uruguay started strongly, pressing high. In the 5th minute, Araujo shot from the edge of the box, but Alowais saved. In the 30th minute, Federico Vinas headed dangerously, but Alowais again denied him. Saudi Arabia took a surprise lead in the 41st minute from a corner: Mohamed Kanno headed the ball, goalkeeper Fernando Muslera pushed it out, but Alamri was on hand to volley home.
After the break, Bielsa made two changes, and Uruguay played more cohesively with crosses and headers. In the 60th minute, Manuel Ugarte struck the post from distance. In the 80th minute, Vinas's header forced a save from Alowais, but the ball fell perfectly for Araujo, who controlled and slotted home just inside the post.
In the final minutes, Uruguay pushed for a winner, but Alowais superbly saved long-range efforts from Federico Valverde and Jose Maria Gimenez. Uruguay ended the match frustrated. Vinas said, “I think the nerves of the opening match affected us, as did the pressure to score. In the second half, we did more of what the coach asked. I am disappointed and angry, but as captain, I am happy with the effort of my teammates.”
Saudi Arabia earned their first point, giving them hope of advancing past the group stage for the first time since the 1994 World Cup on American soil.
