Cape Verde continued their impressive World Cup debut with a hard-fought draw against Uruguay.
Cape Verde and Uruguay shared the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Miami, leaving both teams firmly in the race for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Cape Verde took the lead in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored from a long-range free-kick that slipped through the Uruguayan wall.
Uruguay responded strongly. Maxi Araujo headed in the equaliser before Agustin Canobbio turned home a close-range finish in first-half stoppage time to put the South Americans ahead.
Cape Verde refused to back down and found a second goal in the second half after a costly defensive mistake. Helio Varela capitalised on a misplaced pass from Mathias Olivera, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished into an empty net.
Uruguay thought they had found a late winner through Federico Valverde, but his goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Both sides created chances in stoppage time but could not find a decisive third goal.
The result follows Cape Verde’s surprise draw with Spain in their opening match and highlights the debutants’ growing confidence on the world stage.
Uruguay and Cape Verde now have two points each from two matches in Group H and remain in contention to qualify for the last 32.
Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup debut continues, while Uruguay still have work to do to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
