World Cup debutants Cabo Verde continued their impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in their second Group H match on Sunday, June 21.
The result followed Cabo Verde’s goalless draw with Spain in their opening game, leaving the newcomers unbeaten after two matches. Cabo Verde and Uruguay both have two points, while Spain leads the group with four ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Cabo Verde made history in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. The midfielder fired home a low free kick from 31 metres after Telmo Arcanjo won the set piece with a driving run through the Uruguay defence.
Uruguay responded just before halftime. Maxi Araujo headed home in the 44th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound, then set up Agustin Canobbio in first-half stoppage time as Uruguay turned a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 lead.
Cabo Verde equalised in the 61st minute through substitute Helio Varela. Two minutes after coming on, he intercepted a misplaced back pass from Mathias Olivera, rounded goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and slotted into an empty net.
Uruguay controlled 54 per cent of possession and outshot Cabo Verde 17-10 but could not find a winner despite late pressure.
The draw keeps Cabo Verde in contention for a place in the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance. After holding Spain and Uruguay, the island nation has taken points from two former world champions in successive matches.
Cabo Verde face Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match, while Uruguay take on Spain in a decisive clash for qualification.
