Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde – group stage, Group H result.

The encounter between Uruguay and Cape Verde unfolded at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group H. Both sides entered the match eager to secure early points, and the venue provided a vibrant backdrop for a tightly contested game that saw the lead change hands twice before the final whistle.

How it unfolded

The match opened with an early disciplinary note when Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral was shown a yellow card in the 5th minute for a bad foul. Uruguay responded with a similar caution five minutes later; Rodrigo Bentancur received a yellow in the 20th minute for a bad foul, signalling the physical intensity of the opening phases.

Just a minute after Bentancur’s booking, Cape Verde broke the deadlock. In the 21st minute, Kevin Pina delivered a precise free-kick, curling the ball with his right foot into the bottom right corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Uruguay pressed for an equaliser and found it on the cusp of half-time. Maxi Araújo headed home from very close range in the 44th minute, restoring parity at 1-1.

The momentum swung decisively in Uruguay’s favour during stoppage time of the first half. Six minutes after the restart, Agustín Canobbio struck from the centre of the box with a right-footed shot, the move set up by a headed pass from Maxi Araújo. The goal in the 45+6′ minute put Uruguay ahead 2-1.

The second half began with another booking, as Mathías Olivera was shown a yellow card in the 58th minute for a bad foul. Cape Verde, however, kept their resolve and levelled the score three minutes later. In the 61st minute, Hélio Varela unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box that found the centre of the net, making it 2-2.

The remainder of the match saw both teams create chances, but no further goals were added. In injury time, Cape Verde’s Diney Borges received a yellow card in the 90+3′ minute for a bad foul, bringing the total bookings to four. The final whistle confirmed a balanced 2-2 draw.

Standout performers

Kevin Pina’s free-kick at the 21st minute was the opening highlight, showcasing his set-piece precision. Maxi Araújo contributed significantly on both ends of the pitch, scoring the equaliser before half-time and providing the decisive headed pass that set up Agustín Canobbio’s winner. Canobbio’s composure inside the box to convert the chance in stoppage time added the crucial second goal for Uruguay. For Cape Verde, Hélio Varela’s long-range strike in the 61st minute demonstrated his shooting ability and secured the equaliser.

Match facts

  • Final score: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
  • Scorers:
    • Kevin Pina (Cape Verde) – 21'
    • Maxi Araújo (Uruguay) – 44'
    • Agustín Canobbio (Uruguay) – 45+6' (assist: Maxi Araújo)
    • Hélio Varela (Cape Verde) – 61'
  • Bookings:
    • Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde) – 5'
    • Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay) – 20'
    • Mathías Olivera (Uruguay) – 58'
    • Diney Borges (Cape Verde) – 90+3'
  • Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

What it means

The 2-2 draw keeps both Uruguay and Cape Verde active in their Group H campaign of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side looking to build on the points earned as the group stage progresses.