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Cape Verde’s dream run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Sunday as the team drew 2-2 against Uruguay.
The country is one of the smallest in the tournament of 48 debuting teams. The team had one of the toughest draws of the event with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. But the country overcame its two toughest opponents with draws.
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Diney Borges of Cape Verde and Brian Rodriguez of Uruguay compete for the ball during the World Cup Group H match in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Cape Verde failed to score in their World Cup debut against Spain, but found the back of the net twice against Uruguay. Kevin Pina scored from a free kick and Helio Varela scored the tie. The tie brought Cape Verde closer to the knockout stage.
“This is something we owe to other smaller national teams, teams that fought to qualify for a world tournament,” Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão said through an interpreter.
Cape Verde now has two points.
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Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
“We are also here to show that a country can be small, it can have economic difficulties, but if it is resilient, if it can endure the difficulties, it can also stand shoulder to shoulder with other important teams and with players who are at another level,” added the coach.
Uruguay took a 2-1 lead after Maxi Arújo and Agustín Canobbio scored their shots into the back of the net. But it was Varela who scored the tying goal minutes after joining the game.
“I dreamed about this,” he said. “But I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal with the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words.”
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha reacts at the end of the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
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Cape Verde has a chance to reach the round of 32 of the World Cup on Friday with a win over Saudi Arabia. Spain will face Uruguay.
