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Published Jun 22, 2026Updated Jun 23 Major2
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Cape Verde Holds Uruguay to Historic 2-2 Draw, Boosts Knockout Hopes at 2026 World Cup
Cape Verde earned a 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their second Group H match of the 2026 World Cup, following a 0-0 draw with Spain. The debutants now need a win against Saudi Arabia to advance to the knockout stage, having already become the first debutant since Senegal in 2002 to go unbeaten in their first two matches.
Quick Facts
- Cape Verde drew 2-2 with Uruguay
- Kevin Pina scored a free kick goal
- Helio Varela scored the second goal
- Uruguay equalized through Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio
- Cape Verde remained unbeaten in their first two World Cup matches
Cape Verde has once again stunned the football world, securing a 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winner Uruguay in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, played at the Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026, followed their impressive 0-0 draw against Spain, marking the debutants as one of the tournament's biggest surprises.
After a cautious start from both sides, Cape Verde took the lead through a Kevin Pina free kick that sailed past Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The Blue Sharks doubled their advantage with a deft finish from Helio Varela, showcasing a mix of resilient defense and sharp counter-attacking play. Uruguay fought back with goals from Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio to level the score, but Cape Verde held on for a famous result.
The result places Cape Verde third in Group H with two points, level with Uruguay but trailing on goal difference. Under the World Cup's expanded format, the team now needs a win against Saudi Arabia in their final group match to secure a spot in the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
The performance has transformed Cape Verde's players into social media sensations. Goalkeeper Vozinha, whose Instagram following skyrocketed from 40,000 before the Spain match to over 15 million, was supported in the stands by his mother, Ana Candida Evora, who had missed the opener due to visa difficulties but received assistance to attend this match.
"Everyone doubted us, everyone thought we wouldn't make it. Now we are here," a Cape Verde fan told the BBC, capturing the spirit of a team that has become one of the best stories of the tournament, proving that a nation of just 525,000 people can compete on the world's biggest stage.
Why This Matters
This result signals a seismic shift in the global football landscape: a tiny nation of 525,000 people has exposed the vulnerability of traditional powerhouses. For readers covering emerging football markets, this is a case study in how strategic counter-attacking, set-piece expertise, and social media momentum can level the playing field. For analysts, Cape Verde's path to qualification—potentially putting a debutant in the knockout stage—could rewrite narratives about the World Cup's expanded format and its viability.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 15, 2026
WireCape Verde draws 0-0 with Spain in their World Cup debut
Jun 21, 2026
WireCape Verde and Uruguay play a 2-2 draw in Group H of the 2026 World Cup
Jun 21, 2026
WireAgustin Canobbio equalizes for Uruguay
Jun 22, 2026
WireNews reports confirm Cape Verde's historic result