Group H remains perfectly balanced after Matchday One, making this clash between Uruguay and Cape Verde one of the most important fixtures of the second round.

Uruguay were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opening match, while tournament debutants Cape Verde stunned the football world by earning a historic 0-0 draw against Spain.

With Spain and Saudi Arabia still in contention, three points here could prove decisive in determining who advances to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages.

For more expert analysis and daily betting tips, visit our FIFA World Cup Predictions category for complete tournament coverage.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Match Details

• Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
• Stage: Group H
• Date: June 21, 2026
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA
• Kick-Off Time: 11:00 PM

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Preview

Uruguay enter this encounter knowing that anything less than victory could leave their qualification hopes hanging in the balance heading into the final round of group matches.

The two-time world champions dominated large spells against Saudi Arabia but were forced to settle for a draw, leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s side under pressure to secure their first win of the tournament.

Led by Real Madrid star Federico Valverde and Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez, La Celeste possess significantly more experience and quality than most teams in Group H and will expect to make that advantage count.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, continue to be one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

The Blue Sharks frustrated Spain for 90 minutes to earn a famous goalless draw in their first-ever FIFA World Cup match. Rui Águas’ side defended superbly, remained disciplined throughout, and proved they belong on football’s biggest stage.

However, facing Uruguay presents a completely different challenge.

Unlike Spain’s patient possession-based style, Uruguay will attack directly, press aggressively, and force Cape Verde into difficult defensive situations.

If Cape Verde can survive another wave of pressure, they could place themselves in a remarkable position to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between Uruguay and Cape Verde.

The nations have never previously faced each other in either a friendly or competitive international fixture.

Team News

Uruguay Team News

Uruguay have a fully fit squad available.

Federico Valverde continues to be the heartbeat of the midfield, while Darwin Núñez remains their primary attacking threat after another energetic display against Saudi Arabia.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur provide steel and creativity in the middle of the park, while Ronald Araújo marshals the defence.

Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is expected to retain his place between the posts.

Cape Verde Team News

Cape Verde are also expected to have a full squad available.

Goalkeeper Vozinha was outstanding against Spain and will once again be relied upon heavily.

Roberto Lopes and Diney Borges are expected to anchor the defense, while Jamiro Monteiro, Jovane Cabral, Ryan Mendes, and Dailon Livramento provide the attacking threat on the counterattack.

Confidence is extremely high after the draw against Spain, but defensive concentration will be required throughout.

Probable Lineups

Uruguay Predicted XI

Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Olivera, Vina; Ugarte, Bentancur; Araujo, Vinas, Valverde; Núñez

Cape Verde Predicted XI

Vozinha; Moreira, Borges, Lopes, Lopes; Mendes, Duarte, Lenin, Cabral; Livramento, Mendes

Key Players to Watch

Uruguay – Darwin Núñez

The Liverpool striker remains Uruguay’s biggest goal threat. His pace, power, and movement inside the penalty area make him the player most likely to unlock Cape Verde’s organised defence.

Cape Verde – Dailon Livramento

Livramento has been Cape Verde’s most productive attacking player over the last 12 months. His ability to exploit counterattacking opportunities could prove crucial if Uruguay commit numbers forward.

Key Stats and Trends

• Uruguay are unbeaten in four of their last five matches.
• Four of Uruguay’s last five games produced under 2.5 goals.
• Cape Verde kept a clean sheet against Spain on Matchday One.
• Uruguay have scored more than one goal in just one of their last five matches.
• Cape Verde are competing in their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
• Three of Cape Verde’s last five matches produced under 2.5 goals.

Betting Tips & Odds

Main Betting Tip

✅ Uruguay to Win

Additional Betting Tips

✅ Under 2.5 Goals

✅ Darwin Núñez Anytime Goalscorer

✅ Uruguay to Win & Under 2.5 Goals

Correct Score Prediction

Uruguay 1-0 Cape Verde

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Prediction

Cape Verde deserve enormous credit for their heroic performance against Spain, but replicating that display against another elite opponent will be extremely difficult.

Uruguay possess greater attacking quality, more tournament experience, and significantly stronger midfield control.

Expect Cape Verde to remain compact and difficult to break down, but eventually Uruguay’s pressure should create the decisive opportunity.

Goals may be limited, but La Celeste should secure a vital three points in Miami.

Prediction: Uruguay 1-0 Cape Verde

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• Spain vs Saudi Arabia Prediction
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