Uruguay Face Cape Verde in 6 p.m. Group H Clash as Both Chase First 2026 Win

Q: After stunning Spain, can World Cup debutant Cape Verde deliver a knockout blow to an injury-plagued Uruguay?

Yes — Cape Verde have a real chance to hurt Uruguay, though Uruguay still enter as the more proven side. Cape Verde already showed they belong by holding Spain 0-0 in their World Cup debut, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha making seven saves. That result was not a fluke in the sense that Cape Verde are a disciplined, well-drilled team with a strong diaspora-based squad, recent competitive pedigree in Africa, and growing belief. A win over Uruguay would be another historic step and would put them in a strong position to reach the round of 32. Uruguay, however, remain dangerous because of their quality in midfield, especially Federico Valverde. The concern for Marcelo Bielsa’s side is that they looked wasteful in the 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, managing only one goal from 27 shots. Injuries have also weakened them: José Giménez is out with a severe ankle sprain, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta is expected to miss the group stage with a calf problem. Those absences reduce Uruguay’s defensive authority and creativity. That said, this is still a match Uruguay are expected to edge if they are more clinical. Most forecasts point to a low-scoring game, with Uruguay favored by a narrow margin. But Cape Verde have already shown they can frustrate a heavyweight, and in a group where every point matters, another upset is entirely plausible. If Uruguay again fail to convert chances, Cape Verde are capable of delivering exactly the kind of result that could reshape Group H.

Q: With key players injured and forwards misfiring, is former champion Uruguay facing a shock World Cup exit at the hands of Cape Verde?

Uruguay is under real pressure, but a shock exit at Cape Verde’s hands is still not the most likely outcome. The concern is understandable. Marcelo Bielsa’s side opened with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia despite producing 27 shots and scoring only once, a sign of poor finishing rather than a lack of chances. They are also weakened by injuries, with José Giménez out with a severe ankle sprain and Giorgian de Arrascaeta expected to miss the group stage. That leaves more responsibility on Federico Valverde to drive the team. Cape Verde, however, have already shown they are no novelty act. Their 0-0 draw with Spain was one of the stories of the tournament, built on disciplined defending and a standout display from 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who made seven saves. Their confidence is high, and another result would put them in a strong position to reach the round of 32. Even so, the broader evidence still favors Uruguay. Pre-match projections and betting markets make them clear favorites, with Opta-style simulations putting their win probability far above Cape Verde’s. Uruguay also benefit from the expanded 48-team format, where even a third-place finish can be enough to advance, reducing the immediate risk of elimination. So the danger is genuine, especially if Uruguay remain wasteful in front of goal. But based on squad quality, chance creation and qualification math, this would still rank as a major upset rather than an expected exit.

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 21

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts Uruguay and Cape Verde at 6 p.m. ET Sunday, with both sides entering on 1 point after opening Group H draws.
Uruguay opened with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, while World Cup debutant Cape Verde delivered one of the tournament's early surprises by holding European champion Spain 0-0.
The result could heavily shape the knockout race in a tightly packed Group H, with Uruguay still due to face Spain and Cape Verde set to meet Saudi Arabia.
FOX and Telemundo will carry the match, with streaming available through FOX One, the FOX Sports App and Fubo.