Cape Verde Stuns Uruguay in Miami as a Former Maccabi Tel Aviv Player Saves the Day

In sweltering, humid Miami, Uruguay and Cape Verde drew 2-2 at Hard Rock Stadium in the 2026 World Cup, in a match played before tens of thousands of Uruguay fans who overwhelmed the small Cape Verde contingent. The game took place in Group 8, after Uruguay had already looked shaky in a weak draw with Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde arrived on the back of its surprise result against Spain.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa changed his lineup, leaving Darwin Nunez on the bench and starting Federico Vinas, Federico Valverde in midfield, Agustin Canobbio, and allowing more freedom for Ronald Araujo. Cape Verde coach Pedro Bubista Brito kept faith in a compact, disciplined side built to counterattack through Ryan Mendes and Garry Rodrigues. The island nation, with about 600,000 people, had already established itself as a genuine contender after holding Spain scoreless.

Cape Verde struck first in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored from a free kick from about 20 meters, sending a low shot under the wall and past Fernando Muslera. Uruguay responded late in first-half stoppage time, with Araujo heading in the equalizer after a save by Vozinha, then setting up Agustin Canobbio for the 2-1 turnaround moments later. The crowd erupted, and the Uruguayans went into halftime relieved after surviving the scare.

The lead lasted until the 61st minute, when Helio Varela, a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, came off the bench and levelled the match at 2-2 after beating Muslera from 25 meters. Cape Verde finished strongly and could have scored again, but the draw stood. After two rounds, both teams had two points in Group 8.