Saudi Arabia earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match on Monday, keeping the group wide open after the first round of games.
The result came just hours after Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a goalless draw. All four teams in Group H now have one point.
Uruguay made the brighter start and created the first chance of the match. Maximiliano Araujo tested Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais with a powerful effort inside the opening five minutes.
Both teams found it difficult to create clear chances in the hot and humid conditions. Uruguay continued to enjoy more possession but struggled to break down the Saudi defence.
Federico Vinas came close midway through the first half when his diving header forced another good save from Al Owais.
Saudi Arabia looked dangerous on the counterattack and nearly scored shortly before the break. Abdulelah Al Amri forced Fernando Muslera into a save with a strong effort from inside the box.
The defender found the breakthrough in the 41st minute. Muslera failed to hold a header from a corner and Al Amri reacted quickest to poke the loose ball into the net from close range.
Uruguay went into halftime trailing despite controlling much of the game.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes at the break. Agustin Canobbio and Juan Manuel Sanabria came on as Uruguay searched for a way back into the contest.
The South Americans improved after the restart and pinned Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half.
Manuel Ugarte came close to equalising on the hour mark when his long range strike hit the post.
The pressure finally paid off 10 minutes from time. Al Owais failed to deal with a routine effort and spilled the ball into the path of Araujo, who calmly scored from the rebound.
Uruguay pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Saudi Arabia defended well and held on for an important point.
The draw leaves Group H finely balanced, with Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay all level on one point after their opening matches.
