Kevin Pina’s free-kick and an opportunistic Helio Varela goal earned Cape Verde a shock 2-2 draw with Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
Uruguay goals: Araujo (44), Canobbio (45+6)
Cape Verde goals: Pina (21), Varela (61)
Little Cape Verde registered another giant draw with a former FIFA World Cup™ winner. After finishing goalless with Spain, Bubista’s team recovered a half-time deficit to hold Uruguay at Miami Stadium. Cape Verde took a shock lead when Telmo Arcanjo earned a free-kick and, from 34 yards, Kevin Pina fired it through a gap in the wall and into the bottom corner.
Uruguay nevertheless swung the contest in their favour with quick-fire goals before the break. Maxi Araujo stooped to nod the ball home after Rodrigo Bentancur’s header came back off the post, before Agustin Canobbio cushioned Araujo’s knock-down past Vozinha. Bubista’s side were gifted an equaliser when Varela capitalised upon a defensive mix-up and slotted home. It was all Uruguay thereafter but, with the legendary Luis Suarez cheering them on from the stands, they were unable to break down a defence marshalled masterfully by Pico Lopes and Sidny Lopes Cabral.
Key stat
Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Vozinha of Cape Verde ensured that two goalkeepers in their 40s started a World Cup game for the first time ever.
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Kevin Pina (Cape Verde)