Cape Verde secured a remarkable 2-2 draw against Uruguay in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H encounter at Hard Rock Stadium, played on Monday 22 June, in front of an attendance of 64,003.

The Blue Sharks showed tremendous resilience, twice coming from behind to deny Uruguay all three points and claim yet another share of the spoils at the tournament.

How the goals fell

Cape Verde struck first through K Gonçalves Pereira de Pina in the 21st minute, giving the African nation an early advantage. Uruguay responded before the interval, with M Araújo drawing the South Americans level in the 44th minute.

A Canobbio put Uruguay ahead early in the second half, converting in the 51st minute to seemingly hand the initiative to the La Celeste. However, Cape Verde refused to capitulate — H Oliveira Alves Varela levelled the contest once more in the 61st minute to send the Cape Verdean supporters into raptures.

The match ultimately went to extra time, where neither side could find a decisive goal, the scoreline remaining locked at 2-2 at full time after extra time.

A statement from Africa

The result is a significant one for African football. Cape Verde's ability to twice peg back a seasoned South American side like Uruguay underlines the growing quality and confidence within the continent's squads on the world stage. The point — or points — earned here further reinforces Cape Verde's standing in Group H heading into the next phase of the competition.