Saudi Arabia and Uruguay shared the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H opener, leaving both sides with work to do after a dramatic contest in Miami.
The result represented another disappointing start for Uruguay, who have now won just one of their last nine World Cup opening matches (D5, L3), while Saudi Arabia continued to show the fighting spirit that has made them dangerous opponents on the global stage.
With Spain surprisingly held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde earlier in the day, both teams entered the match knowing victory would put them at the top of Group H.
Uruguay began as the favourites and created the first chances, with Mohammed Al-Owais forced into action early to deny Maximiliano Araújo’s effort from the edge of the box.
Saudi Arabia responded through Salem Al-Dawsari, but his effort after cutting inside from the left failed to trouble Fernando Muslera.
Al-Owais continued to keep Uruguay at bay, producing another important save to deny Federico Vinas’ diving header.
Despite Uruguay’s pressure, Saudi Arabia sensed defensive weaknesses and stunned the two-time world champions just before half-time.
A corner from Musab Al-Juwayr caused chaos in the penalty area, with Mohamed Kanno’s header initially saved by Muslera before Abdulelah Al-Amri reacted quickest to force home the rebound.
The goal ended Saudi Arabia’s remarkable 16-match wait for a World Cup opening goal, dating back to their famous 1-0 win over Belgium in 1994.
Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa responded with two half-time changes, and his side returned with renewed attacking energy. Vinas continued to threaten, while Manuel Ugarte came close with a long-range strike that rattled the post.
Federico Valverde also became increasingly influential after the tactical adjustments, but Al-Owais remained outstanding, producing another excellent save to deny the Real Madrid midfielder’s free-kick.
However, Uruguay’s pressure eventually paid off in the 80th minute. After Al-Owais saved another Viñas header, Maximiliano Araujo reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired home to restore parity.
La Celeste pushed for a winner late on, with Brian Rodriguez narrowly missing from distance, but Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper produced arguably his best save of the night in stoppage time to keep out Valverde’s powerful effort.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned point for both sides, leaving every team in Group H level on one point after the opening round of matches.
Uruguay will next face Cape Verde in Miami, while Saudi Arabia travel to Atlanta to meet 2010 champions Spain in a crucial Group H encounter.
