Uruguay and Cape Verde Share Points in 2-2 World Cup Draw
Cape Verde scored their first World Cup goal on a free kick as the match ended 2-2 with Uruguay, leaving both teams level on points in Group H.
Cape Verde equalised twice to hold Uruguay to a 2-2 draw at Miami Stadium, securing a point that keeps them level with Uruguay in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kevin Pina scored the island nation's first ever World Cup goal, a 32-metre direct free kick, while Hélio Varela added a second after Uruguay had taken the lead twice through Maxi Araújo and Canobbio. Uruguay's Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur were involved in the opening chances, but the visitors could only convert two of their 17 shots. Cape Verde managed four shots on target from 12 attempts, despite an expected-goals (xG) total of 0.86.
"We are proud to make history with our first World Cup goal," Pina said after the match.
The result marks Cape Verde's second consecutive draw in the tournament, following a goalless stalemate with Spain, and makes them the first debutant side to remain unbeaten in their first two World Cup matches since Senegal in 2002. Uruguay's Maxi Araújo became the first player since 1954 to score in each of his nation's opening two World Cup games, and also recorded three goal involvements across the two matches.
Both teams will look to improve their standing in the final group round, with Uruguay set to face Spain and Cape Verde scheduled to play Saudi Arabia.