Both sides eye first win after opening draws. Uruguay's pedigree meets Cape Verde's resilience in a pivotal Group H clash at the 2026 World Cup.
As the sun sets over the stadium, Uruguay and Cape Verde Islands prepare to lock horns in a crucial Group H encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams opened their campaigns with draws—Uruguay sharing the spoils with Saudi Arabia (1-1) and Cape Verde holding Spain to a goalless stalemate—leaving everything to play for in this second round of fixtures. For the two-time world champions from South America, this is a chance to assert their dominance; for the debutants from West Africa, it's an opportunity to prove their draw against Spain was no fluke.
Summary
Group H is finely poised after the first matchday, with all four teams level on one point. Uruguay, ranked 14th in the world, will be expected to take control against the 73rd-ranked Cape Verde Islands. However, the Blue Sharks showed tremendous defensive organization against Spain, and their counter-attacking threat cannot be underestimated. Uruguay's experience in knockout tournaments gives them an edge, but Cape Verde's fearless approach could make this a tense affair.
Team News & Form
Uruguay's recent form shows a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, a result that highlighted both their attacking potency and defensive vulnerabilities. Manager Marcelo Bielsa is likely to stick with his favored 4-3-3 formation, though he may tweak the midfield after a disjointed performance. The return of Federico Valverde to full fitness is a boost, while Darwin Núñez will lead the line after scoring against Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde, under coach Bubista, set up in a compact 4-4-2 that frustrated Spain. Their disciplined shape and quick transitions were key to earning a point. No injury concerns were reported after the opening match, so expect an unchanged lineup. Ryan Mendes and Jovane Cabral will be the main threats on the break.
Key Players
Federico Valverde (Uruguay) – The Real Madrid midfielder is the engine of this Uruguay side. His box-to-box energy, passing range, and ability to strike from distance make him a constant danger. Against Cape Verde's deep block, his late runs into the box could be decisive.
Ryan Mendes (Cape Verde) – The experienced winger, now playing in Turkey, remains Cape Verde's most creative outlet. His pace and dribbling on the counter will test Uruguay's full-backs, who like to push forward.
Predicted Lineups
Uruguay (4-3-3): Rochet; Nández, Giménez, Olivera, Viña; Valverde, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta; Pellistri, Núñez, Araújo.
Cape Verde (4-4-2): Vozinha; Stopira, Lopes, Pico, Fortes; Mendes, Semedo, Monteiro, Cabral; Tavares, Rodrigues.
Key Battles
Uruguay's midfield vs Cape Verde's compact block – Bielsa's side will need to break down a well-organized defense. Valverde and De Arrascaeta must find pockets of space, while Ugarte provides cover against counters.
Núñez vs Cape Verde's center-backs – The Liverpool striker's physicality and movement will be a handful for Lopes and Pico, who held Spain at bay but face a different challenge here.
Head-to-Head
This is the first ever meeting between Uruguay and Cape Verde Islands. Uruguay have a strong record against African sides in World Cups, winning three of four encounters. Cape Verde are appearing in their first World Cup and have no prior experience against South American opposition.
Score Prediction
Uruguay's quality should eventually tell, but Cape Verde's resilience will make it tough. Expect a tight first half before the South Americans pull away. Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 Cape Verde Islands.
Where to Watch
The match kicks off at 22:00 UTC on June 21, 2026. Broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the date. Check local listings for coverage in your region. For more on the fixtures and standings, visit our dedicated pages.