Saudi Arabia began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a spirited 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Group H on Monday, with Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half strike cancelled out by a late Maxi Araújo equaliser at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Al-Amri broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, tapping in sharply after Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera could only parry a header. The goal brought Saudi fans to their feet and Al-Amri to his knees, as he bowed his head to the pitch in a moment of visible emotion.
Al-Owais Stands Tall as Uruguay Press
Uruguay dominated large stretches of the second half, registering 28 attempts on goal compared to Saudi Arabia’s seven. Nevertheless, goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais delivered a commanding performance. He denied Federico Vinas with a point-blank save in the first half, stopped Manuel Ugarte in the 61st minute, and kept out Federico Valverde deep into stoppage time.
Uruguay finally drew level in the 80th minute, when Araújo fired home a rebound from close range — his fourth international goal and second at Hard Rock Stadium.
A Result with Historical Weight
Monday’s draw carries significance beyond the scoreline, as Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and will co-host a centennial celebration match in 2030. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will host the tournament in 2034, making this a meeting of football’s past, present and future.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s result came on a remarkable day for Group H, as debutants Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw in Atlanta.
The Green Falcons next face Spain, knowing a strong result could open the door to the knockout rounds.
