MIAMI, United States — Saudi Arabia opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay at Miami Stadium on Monday, June 15, 2026. The result leaves all four teams in Group H level on one point following a goalless draw between Spain and Cape Verde earlier in the day.
Saudi Arabia, playing its first competitive match under head coach Georgios Donis, took the lead in the 41st minute. Following a corner kick routine, defender Abdulelah Al-Amri reacted quickest to poke home a rebound after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera parried a header from Hassan Al-Tambakti. The goal gave the Green Falcons a 1-0 advantage at halftime.
Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa adjusted his lineup at the interval, making a double substitution that included withdrawing forward Darwin Núñez for Agustín Canobbio. The South American side intensified its offensive pressure in the second half, accumulating 69% of total possession and striking the post via a long-range effort from midfielder Manuel Ugarte on the hour mark.
The equalizer arrived in the 80th minute when Uruguay winger Maxi Araújo controlled a loose ball inside the penalty area following a parried save from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, sidefooting the ball into the net to make it 1-1. Al-Owais made several critical saves in the final minutes, including a stoppage-time stop against Federico Valverde, to preserve the draw.