Uruguay and Saudi Arabia Share the Points in Dramatic 1-1 Draw

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 in a tense World Cup match in Miami on June 16, 2026, with Saudi keeper Mohammed Al Owais producing a standout performance. Saudi Arabia led from the 41st minute through a goal by Abdullah Al Amri, the former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, before Uruguay equalized in the 80th minute through Marcos Araújo.

The result was a setback for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, which entered the tournament hoping for a strong start after being eliminated in the group stage at the previous World Cup. Despite controlling much of the second half, Uruguay could not capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s deep defensive shape and dropped valuable points in the race to advance from the group.

Al Owais made nine saves and repeatedly denied Uruguay’s attacks. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, showed it would not merely make up the numbers and continued its build-up toward hosting the 2034 World Cup. The match also carried symbolic weight for Saudi football, four years after its famous win over Argentina.

Uruguay’s squad reflected a generational transition, with veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who turns 40 on Monday, restored to the starting lineup. This is Uruguay’s first World Cup since 1990 without Diego Forlán, Luis Suárez, and Edinson Cavani. Uruguay next faces Cape Verde in a must-win game, while Saudi Arabia’s team was coached by Greek manager Georgios Donis, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv boss.