Uruguay vs Cape Verde - prediction, team news, lineups | World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for a compelling Group H showdown this Sunday as Uruguay, grappling with internal tension and a disjointed opening draw, faces World Cup debutants Cape Verde, fresh off a historic stalemate against European champions Spain. This match, held at Miami Stadium, is pivotal for both nations' knockout stage ambitions after a surprising initial round of fixtures where the African underdogs defied expectations with a disciplined defensive masterclass against a major powerhouse. Uruguay's 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia on matchday one has amplified scrutiny on coach Marcelo Bielsa, with reports suggesting a 'toxic' atmosphere and a squad still finding its rhythm without legendary strikers Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani. Meanwhile, Cape Verde's stoic 0-0 performance against Spain, anchored by a Player of the Match display from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, has injected immense confidence into Pedro 'Bubista' Brito's side, who qualified for their first-ever World Cup by topping a challenging CAF group ahead of seasoned contenders like Cameroon. For Uruguay, a win is imperative to reassert their historical pedigree and keep pace in Group H, leveraging key talents like Federico Valverde and José María Giménez. Cape Verde, riding the wave of their dream debut, aims to maintain their defensive resilience and potentially exploit counter-attacking opportunities, knowing another positive result would dramatically boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages and cement their fairytale run as one of the smallest nations ever to compete on this global stage.