Cape Verde keep writing their 2026 World Cup fairytale. After holding Spain to a goalless draw in matchday one of Group H, Bubista's men fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Uruguay in Miami on Monday evening — a result that looked impossible as the half-time whistle approached.
The Blue Sharks had made the perfect start. Kevin Pina curled a stunning free kick from nearly 30 metres into the bottom corner past Muslera (21') — Cape Verde's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup. Uruguay then struck twice in the closing stages of the first half: Maxi Araujo tapped in after a Bentancur header hit the post (44'), before Canobbio finished off a flick-on from Araujo to make it 2-1 deep into added time. A brutal turnaround for the islanders.
Yet there was no sign of resignation after the break. When Muslera misjudged his positioning, Hélio Varela swept home the equaliser in the 61st minute to spark wild celebrations. Uruguay created several more chances and had goals disallowed for offside, but Cape Verde's defence held firm. With four points from two games, the Blue Sharks sit third in Group H and head into their final group-stage fixture against Saudi Arabia on Saturday 27 June with genuine hopes of reaching the last 16.
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