Cape Verde stuns Uruguay with another fearless performance and earns a deserved draw in Atlanta. Marcelo Bielsa’s side fights back from an early deficit, but a second-half strike from substitute Varela keeps Group H completely open heading into the final matchday.
Cape Verde continues to be one of the surprise packages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After holding Spain to a scoreless draw in its opening match, the African nation secured another impressive result, battling back for a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in a thrilling Group H encounter.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay appeared poised to claim its first victory of the tournament after overturning an early deficit before halftime, but Cape Verde refused to surrender and found a deserved equalizer midway through the second half.
The islanders started brightly and stunned Uruguay in the 21st minute. Midfielder Deroy Duarte Pina unleashed a spectacular free kick from nearly 40 yards out that caught veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera off guard and nestled into the back of the net, sending Cape Verdean supporters into celebration.
Uruguay gradually increased the pressure and eventually found its response just before the break. Ronald Araújo rose to the occasion in the 44th minute, leveling the score with a composed finish after sustained attacking pressure.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, La Celeste completed the comeback. Araújo turned provider this time, delivering the assist for Agustín Canobbio, who made it 2-1 and seemingly shifted the momentum entirely toward Bielsa’s men.
Yet Cape Verde once again demonstrated remarkable character. Coach Bubista introduced Varela shortly before the hour mark, and the substitute immediately changed the match. In the 61st minute, Varela capitalized on defensive hesitation to score the equalizer and silence the Uruguayan fans.
Uruguay pushed for a winner during the final half hour, but Cape Verde defended with determination and preserved another valuable point.
The result leaves Group H finely balanced. Spain leads the standings with four points after defeating Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, while Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on two points. Saudi Arabia remains alive with one point and everything will be decided on the final matchday.
For Cape Verde, another positive result against one of world football’s traditional powers strengthens the belief that a historic qualification to the knockout rounds is within reach.
Match Report
Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Ugarte (70′ De la Cruz), Bennacer; Canobbio, Valverde, Araújo; Viñas (70′ Núñez).
Coach: Marcelo Bielsa.
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Pico Lopes, Borges, Cabral; Pina; Arcanjo (46′ Duarte), Mendes, Monteiro (80′ Semedo), Rodrigues (58′ Varela); Benchimol.
Coach: Bubista.
Referee: Not announced.
Goals: 21′ Pina (Cape Verde), 44′ Araújo (Uruguay), 45+6′ Canobbio (Uruguay), 61′ Varela (Cape Verde).
Assist: Araújo (Canobbio goal).
Bookings: Cabral (Cape Verde); Bentancur, Olivera (Uruguay).
Red Cards: None.
Venue: Atlanta.
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