No previous meetings between these teams.
-
1
Maxi Araújo1
- 1Federico Viñas5
- 2Federico Valverde3
- 3Juan Manuel Sanabria3
- 4Nicolás de la Cruz2
- 5Maxi Araújo2
- 6Manuel Ugarte2
- 7Guillermo Varela2
- 8Sebastián Cáceres2
- 9Brian Rodríguez2
- 10
Dailon Livramento1
- 1Jamiro Monteiro3
- 2Diney Borges2
- 3Jovane Cabral2
- 4Kevin Pina1
- 5Ryan Mendes1
- 6Rodrigo Bentancur1
- 7Darwin Núñez1
- 8Nuno da Costa1
- 9Sidny Cabral1
Uruguay face a tough test when they take on Cape Verde in Group H at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side needed a Maximiliano Araujo goal to rescue a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde, the tournament’s smallest nation, made history by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw behind a heroic 40-year-old goalkeeper. Kick-off is scheduled for 11pm (UK time) on Sunday 21st June.
Uruguay vs Cape Verde predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vozinha to make 4 or more saves | 5/4 @ Paddy Power (44.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Vozinha made seven saves against Spain, who attempted 27 shots on their way to a 0-0 draw. Uruguay generated 25 shots against Saudi Arabia in their opener — and fired 22 shots in the second half alone, equalling a World Cup record for a single half. Bielsa’s side carry enormous attacking volume into this fixture. Cape Verde defend deep and invite pressure, so Vozinha will face a heavy workload again. Four saves looks well within reach. |
| Maxi Araujo 1st goalscorer | 11/1 @ Sky Bet (8.3%) | ⭐⭐ | Araujo already holds more goal involvements than any other Uruguay player across their last two major tournaments. He recorded four goal involvements — three goals and one assist – across the Copa América and this World Cup. He scored Uruguay’s equaliser against Saudi Arabia and operates in advanced areas down the left. In 2025–26, he scored seven goals and supplied six assists in 47 club appearances for Sporting. Cape Verde defend deep and concede chances in and around the box – exactly where Araujo thrives. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams go into Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Uruguay
Uruguay are two-time world champions looking to make amends after a group-stage exit in Qatar. They disappointed for much of their opener against Saudi Arabia — all four shots inside the penalty area before half-time came from set pieces. Despite two half-time changes, Bielsa’s side struggled to create meaningful chances until the closing minutes.
Uruguay have lost only one of their last nine World Cup group games, a 2-0 defeat to Portugal at Qatar 2022. Those nine matches have produced an average of just 1.7 goals — so a more clinical display is essential if they are to take control of Group H. Bielsa’s side retain a 74.7% chance of qualifying for the round of 32, according to the Opta supercomputer.
With Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani gone, Bielsa’s system leans heavily on midfield workhorses. Fede Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, and Rodrigo Bentancur are the key figures in that engine room. Uruguay know a win here would put them in a strong position — but Cape Verde’s defensive organisation makes this far from straightforward.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s achievement against Spain was historic. Sunday’s draw featured the largest ever ranking gap between opponents in a World Cup match that did not end in a win for the higher-ranked side — 2nd versus 67th.
Goalkeeper Vozinha became a national icon overnight. The 40-year-old made seven saves and three high claims to deny Spain, and kept seven clean sheets across Cape Verde’s 10 qualifying matches.
Head coach Bubista will need at least one win from the remaining two group games if he is to guide Cape Verde into the knockout rounds. A second draw here would leave them dangerously reliant on their final group game against Spain. Yet their defensive identity is clear — and it will test Uruguay’s attacking resolve in Miami.
Uruguay team news
Ronald Araujo and Giorgian De Arrascaeta are both sidelined with injuries — two significant absences for Bielsa heading into a crucial fixture. José María Gimenez will look to marshal the backline in Araujo’s absence.
Manuel Ugarte and Darwin Nunez both struggled to make an impact against Saudi Arabia and were substituted, though Bielsa is unlikely to drop two of his star players. If Nunez starts up front, Agustín Canobbio may join him in attack ahead of Federico Vina, who found little involvement in the opener.
Cape Verde team news
Cape Verde report no injuries or suspensions ahead of Sunday’s fixture. That gives Bubista a full squad to choose from — a significant advantage given Uruguay’s absentees.
Vozinha will start in goal once more, with Cape Verde relying on his heroics for their remaining two group matches. Kevin Lenini is the most likely candidate to start in the deepest midfield role, with Laros Duarte and Jamiro Monteiro needing to perform at their best to help their side avoid defeat.
Head-to-Head
Sunday’s fixture at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami will be the first documented encounter between these two nations. Both sides have the chance to claim a first-ever win over the other — and with a knockout-stage place on the line, the stakes could not be higher.
Will either side find the win they need to reach the knockout stage?
Every team in Group H starts Matchday 2 level on one point after a round of draws — making this fixture critical for both sides. A victory for either would put them in a strong position to reach the last 32. Uruguay carry the greater pedigree, but Cape Verde’s defensive resilience and Vozinha’s brilliance mean Bielsa’s side cannot afford to take anything for granted.
We’re backing Vozinha to play a pivotal role again. You can back Vozinha to make 4+ saves against Uruguay at 5/4 with Paddy Power.
The other bit of value we think we’ve found is in Maxi Araujo to score first at 11/1 with Sky Bet. That’s a boosted price so jump on it to squeeze every drop of value!
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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