Tie in the debut of Group H
Uruguay achieved a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in the match that closed the first round of Group H of the 2026 World Cup. The match, played at the Miami Stadium, left both teams with one point.
Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 41st minute. He took advantage of a rebound after a save by Fernando Muslera on a header from Hassan Altambakti, which came from a corner on the right.
Uruguay had more possession (64% against 36%) but could not find the goal. Until in the 80th minute Maximiliano Araújo hit a volley with his left foot after a header from Federico Viñas that Mohammed Al-Owais deflected. The rebound was left to the Uruguayan midfielder.
Muslera, in his fifth World Cup, prevented a second Saudi goal in the 38th minute by deflecting a right hand from Al-Amri. Al-Owais also stood out: he responded at 5, 30 and 45 minutes to shots from Araújo and Viñas.
Saudi Arabia, which surprised Argentina in Qatar 2022, retreated in the second half. Uruguay sought victory with centers. At 50 minutes Viñas headed wide; At 60 a shot by Manuel Ugarte hit the post. Al-Owais saved a Valverde free kick in the 67th.
After the tie, Uruguay continued to press. Al-Owais stopped shots from Nicolás de la Cruz and Valverde in stoppage time. Muslera controlled a high shot from Saud Abdulhamid.
Next Sunday the 21st, Uruguay will face Cape Verde in the same stadium. Saudi Arabia will face Spain in Atlanta.




