Image: from WPRI 12 X @wpri12
By Open Chronicle with agencies
World Cup debutants Cape Verde continued their remarkable run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, earning a dramatic 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in Miami.
After surprising football fans around the world with a scoreless draw against Spain in their opening match, the African island nation claimed another valuable point, strengthening its hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The match featured Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal, a comeback from Uruguay, and a costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera that allowed Cape Verde to rescue a memorable result.
Historic First Goal
Cape Verde showed greater attacking ambition than in their opening match against Spain and were rewarded in the 21st minute.
Midfielder Kevin Pina scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal with a stunning long-range free kick from approximately 30 yards.
The powerful strike pierced a poorly organized Uruguayan wall and beat Muslera, sending Cape Verde’s supporters into celebration.
The goal marked a historic moment for a country making its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Uruguay Responds Before Half-Time
Despite struggling for long periods, Uruguay managed to turn the match around shortly before the break.
The equalizer arrived in the 44th minute when Maximiliano Araújo reacted quickest after a defensive clearance struck the post and headed home the rebound.
Uruguay then completed the comeback deep into first-half stoppage time.
Araújo was again involved, directing a header across goal for Agustín Canobbio, who volleyed the ball into the net to make it 2-1.
The South Americans appeared to have regained control after a difficult opening period.
Muslera Error Gives Cape Verde Hope
Uruguay looked comfortable early in the second half, but disaster struck in the 61st minute.
Muslera unexpectedly rushed far from his goal and failed to deal with a forward ball, allowing substitute Hélio Varela to take advantage.
After an excellent first touch, Varela calmly rolled the ball into an empty net to level the score at 2-2.
The mistake added to concerns surrounding Muslera’s form after he was also criticized for an error in Uruguay’s opening draw against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde Holds Firm
Uruguay pushed for a winner during the closing stages and thought they had regained the lead when Araújo found the net again.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside, sparing Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha from embarrassment after fumbling the initial effort.
Late pressure continued, with Federico Valverde sending a free kick over the bar from a dangerous position.
Cape Verde defended resolutely until the final whistle to secure another famous result.
Qualification Picture
The draw leaves Cape Verde with two points from two matches and in a strong position to challenge for a place in the knockout rounds.
The African side will face Saudi Arabia in its final Group H match, knowing that victory would guarantee progression to the Round of 32.
Uruguay, meanwhile, finds itself under mounting pressure.
After consecutive draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, Marcelo Bielsa’s team may need to defeat European champions Spain in their final group-stage match to avoid a second successive World Cup elimination in the opening round.
A World Cup Fairytale Continues
Cape Verde arrived at the tournament as one of the least experienced teams in the competition, but their performances have quickly become one of the stories of the World Cup.
Holding Spain to a draw and then fighting back against Uruguay has demonstrated resilience, organization, and belief far beyond expectations.
With qualification now within reach, the island nation has already captured the imagination of football fans around the world.