Blue Sharks Continue Fairy Tale with Point Against Uruguay
Historic Goalkeeping Moment The match also produced a unique World Cup record. Uruguay's Fernando Muslera and Cabo Verde's Vozinha became the first two goalkeepers in their 40s ever to start the same FIFA World Cup match.
Published: June 21, 2026
The remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey of Cabo Verde continued on Sunday night as the Blue Sharks battled to an impressive 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay at Miami Stadium.
After stunning Spain with a goalless draw in their opening match, Cabo Verde once again proved they belong on football's biggest stage, recovering from a first-half deficit to earn another historic point in Group H.
Cabo Verde struck first in the 21st minute through a moment of brilliance from Kevin Pina. After Telmo Arcanjo won a free-kick from long range, Pina unleashed a powerful effort from 34 yards that slipped through a gap in Uruguay's wall and nestled into the bottom corner, leaving veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera helpless.
Uruguay responded strongly before halftime. Marcelo Bielsa's side turned the match around in just a few minutes. Maxi Araujo headed home in the 44th minute after Rodrigo Bentancur's effort bounced back off the post, before Agustin Canobbio completed the comeback in stoppage time, calmly finishing after another excellent contribution from Araujo.
With Uruguay appearing in control, Cabo Verde refused to surrender. Their equalizer arrived in the 61st minute when Helio Varela capitalized on a costly defensive misunderstanding and coolly slotted the ball past Muslera to silence the Uruguayan supporters.
The South Americans pushed relentlessly for a winner during the final half-hour, but Cabo Verde's disciplined defense, brilliantly organized by Pico Lopes and Sidny Lopes Cabral, stood firm under immense pressure.
Even with legendary striker Luis Suarez watching from the stands, Uruguay could not find a breakthrough as the Blue Sharks secured another unforgettable result.
Historic Goalkeeping Moment
The match also produced a unique World Cup record. Uruguay's Fernando Muslera and Cabo Verde's Vozinha became the first two goalkeepers in their 40s ever to start the same FIFA World Cup match.
Superior Player of the Match
🏆 Kevin Pina (Cabo Verde)
The midfielder delivered a spectacular opening goal and controlled the tempo for long periods, earning FIFA's Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award.
Reactions
Helio Varela (Cabo Verde): "I had dreamed of this, but I never imagined it would happen this way. Scoring my first goal for the national team on my World Cup debut is incredible. I have no words."
Bubista (Cabo Verde Coach): "I want to congratulate the team and all of our people for the way we played, with our hearts. We finished the match under a lot of difficulty, with many players suffering from cramps, but our team was brave throughout and always looked to win the game."
Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay Coach): "When we defended well, the match allowed us to pull ahead. When we lost control, our advantage disappeared. The decisive factor was that our intensity dropped, and that should not have happened."
Group H Standings After Two Matches Spain – 4 pts Uruguay – 2 pts Cabo Verde – 2 pts Saudi Arabia – 1 pt
With one match remaining, all four teams still have a chance of reaching the Round of 32. Uruguay must now face group leaders Spain, while Cabo Verde take on Saudi Arabia in what promises to be a dramatic final day in Group H.