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Cape Verde’s dream run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Sunday with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
The country is one of the smallest in the tournament with 48 teams making their debut. The team faced 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, June 21, 2026. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Cape Verde failed to score on their World Cup debut against Spain, but found the net twice against Uruguay. Kevin Pina scored from a free kick and Helio Varela scored the equalizer. This draw brings Cape Verde closer to the knockout phase.
“This is something we owe to other small national teams, teams that have struggled 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 Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
“We are also here to show that a country can be small, it can have financial difficulties, but if it is resilient, if it can endure the difficulties, it can also stand alongside other big teams and players of another level,” added the coach.
Uruguay took a 2-1 lead after Maxi Arújo and Agustin Canobbio scored their shots into the back of the net. But it was Varela who scored the equalizer minutes after joining the match.
“I dreamed about it,” he said. “But I never imagined it would happen this way. To score my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words.”
Cape Verdean 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 qualify for the World Cup round of 16 on Friday if they secure a victory against Saudi Arabia. Spain will face Uruguay.
