The night saw yet another draw in the ongoing football major. In a pulsating Group H encounter at Hard Rock Stadium, debutants Cabo Verde earned a remarkable second point of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in what many are calling one of the tournament’s early shocks.
The island nation, appearing in their first-ever World Cup, had already made headlines by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opener. In another stunning showdown, they now held World Cup champions Uruguay to a draw. Against the two-time champions, they went one better by scoring their maiden tournament goal and twice coming from behind.
Kevin Pina opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a thunderous 30-yard free-kick, unleashing a stunning strike that gave Cabo Verde a shock lead and sent their fans into raptures. Uruguay responded before halftime through Maxi Araújo’s equalizer in the 44th minute and Agustín Canobbio’s goal deep in first-half stoppage time.
The second half belonged to the underdogs once more. Substitute Helio Varela, who netted his first career international goal, pounced to level the scores at 2-2, capping a resilient team performance that showcased pace, passion, and tactical discipline.
Cabo Verde and Uruguay share points in Thrilling 2-2 draw in 2026 World Cup
Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha added an emotional layer to the occasion, as his mother Ana Candida Evora watched him play in person for the first time after overcoming visa challenges.
With the result, both teams sit on two points in Group H alongside each other behind Spain on four and ahead of Saudi Arabia, keeping qualification hopes very much alive for the African side heading into their final group match.
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