Group H at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered a surprise: after the opening round, all four sides sit on one point each, and Uruguay and Cape Verde both know that a win on Monday could put them within touching distance of the knockout stages.

Uruguay searching for a cutting edge

Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay were forced to come from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in Miami, with Maxi Araujo's 80th-minute strike rescuing a point. The two-time world champions dominated in terms of chances — registering 27 shots — but struggled to convert, and former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez was substituted at half-time following a below-par display.

Nunez's absence from Al-Hilal's squad in the Saudi Pro League since February — to accommodate Karim Benzema — raised questions about his sharpness, and those concerns were borne out in Miami. Bielsa may turn to Agustin Canobbio as a replacement in the front line, while Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde is expected to play a central role in dismantling Cape Verde's defensive structure.

Cape Verde riding high after historic draw

Cape Verde's players had every right to celebrate after holding Spain, the reigning European champions, to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup debut. The Blue Sharks defended with extraordinary discipline, restricting Spain to just seven shots on target, and 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the standout performer with a string of crucial saves.

The challenge for coach Bubista's side now is recovery. Having pressed and defended with maximum intensity for over 90 minutes against Spain, their physical condition ahead of this fixture will be closely monitored. Yet if they can replicate that defensive solidity, another famous result is not out of the question.

What is at stake

With the group still entirely open, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes. Uruguay will carry the weight of expectation as a footballing powerhouse, but Cape Verde have already shown they are no pushover at this level. A point here could prove transformative for African football — a win would be historic.

FourFourTwo predict a 2-0 Uruguay victory, expecting Bielsa's high-pressing system to eventually wear down the Blue Sharks' resilience.