Cape Verde Stuns Again: 2-2 Draw with Uruguay in World Cup Group H

Cape Verde Stuns Again: 2-2 Draw with Uruguay, Group H Upset Continues
By Qi Dong, The Paper — June 22, 2026

At 6:00 AM Beijing time on June 22, Group H of the World Cup saw Uruguay face World Cup debutants Cape Verde. In the first round, both teams played to draws — notably, Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw, producing the biggest upset of the tournament so far, with goalkeeper Vozinha becoming an overnight sensation. Ultimately, the world's 63rd-ranked Cape Verde pulled off another surprise, drawing 2-2 with Uruguay.

With Spain thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0, the winner of this match would seize the initiative for group-stage advancement. From the outset, both teams traded attacks in an open contest.

In the 21st minute, Cape Verde broke the deadlock. Pina's exquisite long-range free kick bounced in front of the goal before finding the net, giving Cape Verde a 1-0 lead — the first World Cup goal in their history. Cape Verde became the first team since 1966 to score their inaugural World Cup goal via a direct free kick.

According to OPTA statistics, the expected goals (xG) of this free kick was only 0.04, but Uruguay's poor wall setup contributed to the historic goal.

In the 43rd minute, Uruguay's cross was headed clear by a Cape Verde player, but the ball hit the post. Maxi Araujo headed in the rebound to level at 1-1.

In the 5th minute of first-half stoppage time, Bentancur delivered a cross from the right. Maxi Araujo headed across, and Canobbio followed up with a tap-in to put Uruguay ahead 2-1.

In the 61st minute, Uruguay's defense faltered. Oliveira received a throw-in and passed across, but 40-year-old goalkeeper Muslera came out and missed the ball. Cape Verde substitute Varela slotted into an empty net to make it 2-2.

This marked Muslera's fourth World Cup error leading to a goal — the most by any goalkeeper since 1966.

Cape Verde pushed forward but failed to find a winner. The draw extended Cape Verde's unbeaten run. In the final round, Cape Verde faces Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay takes on Spain. Cape Verde can secure knockout-stage qualification with a win against Saudi Arabia.