There’s still all to play for in Group H as Uruguay prepare for their second game in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup against debutants Cape Verde early Tuesday morning.
Uruguay were held in a frustrating 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opening match, while Cape Verde stunned the world by earning a point in a barren draw against favorites Spain.
Maximiliano Araujo scored Uruguay’s only goal in the 80th minute to earn the point for his side, who are two-time World Cup winners in 1930 and 1950.
Cape Verde, a small island off the West African coast, has half a million inhabitants but they put on a brave defensive display in their first ever World Cup game. The point boosted the sides morale, and they will definitely bring that with them into this clash.
Uruguay failed to make it to the knockout phase in the 2022 edition and have to be at their best to keep their hopes alive. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have only lost one of their last nine group stage games.
Will the sky blues right their wrongs from their opening fixture to bag all three points here, or is Cape Verde’s fairytale story just beginning? Here is our predicted outcome of the match.
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What time does Uruguay vs Cape Verde start?
The match kicks off at 1AM E.A.T at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Uruguay vs Cape Verde team news
Uruguay remain without the services of Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo and Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who are still injured.
Bielsa is not expected to make any changes from the side that started against Saudi Arabia, with Darwin Nunez leading the attacking line with Federico Vinas behind him in support.
Goalscorer Araujo will retain his spot in the starting XI as he looks to add to his tally in the tournament.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha put on a man of the match performance against Spain and his side will hope he can replicate his heroics here as well.
Winger Jovane Cabral was withdrawn with an injury and his fitness is being assessed ahead of kickoff. Aside from that, no changes are expected from their starting XI.
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Uruguay vs Cape Verde head-to-head and current form
The South Americans are desperate for a win, having gone five games without victory. Their last three games have resulted in a draw, with only one defeat in that run.
They take on an inspired Cape Verde side who are unbeaten in their last four games. They have won three of those matches, scoring seven times and conceding just once.
This will be the first ever match between these nations.
Current form:
Uruguay – DDDLD
Cape Verde – DWWWL
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Uruguay vs Cape Verde prediction
These two sides play very different styles of football and tactical decisions could be what ultimately decides this fixture.
Cape Verde have been solid defensively but the experience of the Uruguay side could prove superior at the end of it.
Prediction – Uruguay to win or draw (1X) – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!