The Uruguayan dream is fading. Uruguay stumbled again in the 2026 World Cup, drawing 2-2 this Sunday against Cape Verde, an African team that, on paper, was inferior. But on the field in Miami, the story was different. Marcelo Bielsa’s side has yet to win in the tournament and now depends on a miracle to reach the round of 16.
The match was a ordeal for the Celeste. From the start, Cape Verde showed more intensity and struck first: in the 20th minute, Kevin Pina executed a perfect free kick that curled into the top corner. Uruguay reacted and turned the score around with goals from Maximiliano Araújo (43′) and Agustín Canobbio (50′), both in the first half. But the joy was short-lived. In the second half, a defensive error allowed Helio Varela to equalize for the Africans in the 60th minute. From then on, Uruguay could not break down the opponent’s defense.
With this result, Uruguay is second in Group H with two points, but with a goal difference that gives them no breathing room. Cape Verde also has two points, though with fewer goals scored. On the final matchday, Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. (Argentine time), the Celeste will face Spain, one of the title favorites, who thrashed Saudi Arabia this Sunday. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will face the Asians simultaneously.
«We’re still alive, but we depend on ourselves. If we win, we go through,» Bielsa said after the match, although the coach’s expression showed concern. The reality is that Uruguay showed neither class nor defensive solidity. Unforced errors keep recurring, and the team seems unable to find its way.
The Celeste fans, who packed Miami, erupted in anger at the end of the match. «How can we not beat Cape Verde? This is an embarrassment,» shouted a Uruguayan fan as he left the stadium. Local media are already talking about «failure» if qualification is not achieved. Can Uruguay rise against Spain? The challenge is titanic.
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Para mí esto es una vergüenza total, estos muertos de hambre ni siquiera le ganan a Cabo Verde. Bielsa sobrevalorado, rajá de una vez. Con esa directiva comunista y jugadores sin huevo, no merecemos ir al Mundial. España nos va a pasar por encima, como siempre. ¡Patria o tumba, carajo!
Para mí Bielsa es un vendepatria del sistema. Este empate asqueroso contra Cabo Verde huele a la mafia de la AFA neoliberal. ¿Clasificar a España? Ni en pedo, arriba los pobres carajo.