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Arun - June 21, 2026
Uruguay and Cape Verde meet at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday evening in a Group H fixture that has become pivotal for both sides.
Uruguay were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opener, while Cape Verde produced one of the results of the entire tournament, holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw.
With all four Group H sides level on one point, a win here puts either team in control of their own knockout destiny. Head to our Uruguay vs Cape Verde prediction for full match analysis and expert tips.
Marcelo Bielsa is without two of his most important players. Ronald Araujo suffered a calf tear during Uruguay’s pre-tournament training camp and missed the Saudi Arabia opener.
Barca Blaugranes and Mundo Deportivo have both reported he is not expected to return for either the Cape Verde or Spain matches.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta is also out with a calf problem of his own and appears on the World Cup injury table. The loss of De Arrascaeta is particularly significant as he is Uruguay’s most creative passer and his absence leaves a clear hole in Bielsa’s setup.
Jose Maria Gimenez was left on the bench against Saudi Arabia as a precaution with an ankle issue.
The Atletico Madrid centre-back could return here, potentially partnering Sebastian Caceres in the heart of defence. Guillermo Varela continues at right-back, with Mathias Olivera at left-back. Fernando Muslera continues in goal.
Darwin Nunez was substituted at half-time against Saudi Arabia after a difficult first-half showing. Despite the poor performance, Bielsa is expected to persist with him, though Agustin Canobbio, who came on at half-time and added some energy, is pushing for a start.
Federico Valverde drives from midfield and will be Uruguay’s most important player in the absence of De Arrascaeta. Manuel Ugarte provides the defensive anchor, with Rodrigo Bentancur alongside them.
Maximiliano Araujo, who scored Uruguay’s equaliser against Saudi Arabia, keeps his wide role. Federico Vinas leads the forward line, though Nunez pressing for a start means the striker position has genuine competition.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Fernando Muslera
Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Jose Maria Gimenez, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera
Midfield: Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Rodrigo Bentancur
Forwards: Maximiliano Araujo, Federico Vinas / Darwin Nunez, Agustin Canobbio.
Cape Verde head coach Pedro Brito is expected to name an unchanged side from the heroic goalless draw with Spain.
The performance in Philadelphia was built on extraordinary organisation and the inspired goalkeeping of Vozinha, the 40-year-old shot-stopper who kept Spain at bay despite facing 27 shots. Vozinha was arguably the most talked-about individual of the entire opening matchday and keeps his place without question.
The defensive unit of Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges and Sidny Cabral is retained. Lopes and Borges were outstanding at centre-back against Spain, dealing with everything thrown at them.
Kevin Pina is the key holding midfielder, screening the defence as the number six in the system. Laros Duarte and Jamiro Monteiro complete the midfield three, with Monteiro asked to operate deeper than he would ideally like given the defensive demands of this tournament.
Ryan Mendes and Jovane Cabral provide the wide outlets, with Dailon Livramento carrying the burden of the striker role.
Cape Verde scored just once in qualifying and their threat comes primarily from set pieces and counterattacks rather than open-play creativity. The plan here is identical to the Spain match: stay compact, defend deep, deny space, and look for a moment.
Formation: 4-5-1
GK: Vozinha
Defenders: Steven Moreira, Roberto Lopes, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral
Midfield: Ryan Mendes, Laros Duarte, Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral
Forward: Dailon Livramento.
For all our World Cup 2026 tips and predictions throughout the tournament, head to the hub.
