Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde: Cape Verde earn second remarkable draw - as it happened - ESPN India

The football world is still reeling after debutants Cape Verde, the 'Blue Sharks,' pulled off another stunning upset at the FIFA World Cup 2026, holding two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling 2-2 draw in Miami. This remarkable result saw midfielder Kevin Pina make history with Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal, further cementing their fairytale journey in the tournament. The draw, following their goalless stalemate against Spain, has now propelled the tiny island nation into a genuine contention for a spot in the coveted knockout stage, leaving a bewildered Uruguay scrambling for answers. Cape Verde's unexpected heroics have turned Group H on its head. After directly qualifying from a tough CAF Qualification group ahead of traditional powerhouse Cameroon, the 'Blue Sharks' have shown they are no fluke, consistently defying expectations with disciplined defense and opportunistic attacks. On the other side, Uruguay, coached by the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa, entered the tournament with high hopes but has now stumbled twice, including a prior 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. Their star-studded lineup, featuring talents like Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez, seems to be struggling to find cohesion, with defensive errors, notably from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, proving costly against the resilient Cape Verdeans. Looking ahead, the stakes couldn't be higher for both nations as the final group stage matches approach. Cape Verde now faces Saudi Arabia, a fixture they will approach with confidence, knowing a victory could secure their passage to the Knockout Stage. Uruguay, however, faces a monumental task against European giants Spain, where a win is likely essential to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit and keep their tournament dreams alive. All eyes will be on Group H as this unexpected drama unfolds, promising a nail-biting conclusion to the first round.