Cape Verde extended an unlikely start to the 2026 World Cup by taking a point from Uruguay in a 2-2 draw in Miami Gardens on Sunday, leaving the island nation unbeaten after also holding Spain to a 0-0 opening result.
The side of just over half a million people became the third-smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup and were drawn in Group H alongside Spain and Uruguay. With Saudi Arabia still to come, Cape Verde remain in contention to reach the knockout stages.
Goalkeeper Vozinha was central to the team’s opening-day resistance against Spain, producing seven saves—four described as excellent—and several important aerial claims as Cape Verde limited a dominant Spanish side that registered 27 shots and about 74 percent possession. The team also compiled 46 clearances in that match.
Against Uruguay, Cape Verde took the lead through a Kevin Pina free kick midway through the first half before Max Araujo’s diving header and Agustín Canobbio turned the game in Uruguay’s favour at the break. Cape Verde equalised shortly after the hour mark when Hélio Varela reacted to a rare sortie from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to make it 2-2. Both sides pushed for a late winner, and a potential Uruguay goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check after Vozinha had been beaten.
The contest ended level, a result that suits Cape Verde more than Uruguay. In stoppage time Nuno da Costa was clattered by Rodrigo Bentancur as he drove into the box, but the referee signalled for a corner and play continued; Cape Verde could feel aggrieved by the decision. Cape Verde’s substitutes and staff celebrated the nation’s first World Cup goal, according to ESPN Africa.
