Cape Verde produced another spirited display at the FIFA World Cup 2026, holding two-time champions Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Miami on Sunday to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stages very much alive.

The result moved the Blue Sharks onto two points in Group H, with a final group match against Saudi Arabia still to come. It follows an equally impressive point earned against Spain in their tournament opener — meaning Cape Verde are now unbeaten through two matches against two former World Cup winners.

Pina makes history

Cape Verde made the perfect start when Kevin Pina drilled a thunderous free-kick past Fernando Muslera to open the scoring midway through the first half. The strike made Pina his country's first-ever goalscorer at a FIFA World Cup — a landmark moment for the Blue Sharks and for African football.

Uruguay hit back quickly, however. Rodrigo Bentancur struck the post before Maxi Araujo headed home from a diving effort in the 44th minute to level the match. Then, deep into first-half stoppage time, Agustin Canobbio turned the game on its head, sending La Celeste into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Varela sparks the comeback

Manager Pedro 'Bubista' Brito responded by introducing Hélio Varela just before the hour mark. The substitute needed little time to make his mark — latching onto a loose ball following a defensive lapse, he composed himself and slotted calmly past Muslera to draw Cape Verde level for the second time.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the Blue Sharks pressed for a famous win. Jamiro Monteiro curled a long-range effort just wide, while Laros Duarte forced Muslera into a late save as Cape Verde pushed hard for all three points.

A date with Saudi Arabia

Unbeaten in two matches and having already taken points off Spain and Uruguay, Cape Verde head into their decisive Group H clash against Saudi Arabia knowing that victory — or even a draw — could send them into the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation's history. The Blue Sharks are writing a story that the entire continent is watching.