Al-Amri Stuns Uruguay! Araújo Equalizes at 80 — Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw in their Group H opener at the 2026 World Cup, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Saudi defender Abdulelah Al-Amri broke the deadlock at the 40th minute from a corner kick, before Maxi Araújo equalized at the 80th minute by pouncing on a rebound. Uruguay dominated with 67% possession and 28 shots (xG 1.58) but could only claim a single point. All four teams in Group H are now level on 1 point each.

Match Info

First Half: Al-Amri Stuns Uruguay at the 40th Minute

Uruguay controlled the game from the start with Marcelo Bielsa’s 3-1-6 system, boasting 59% possession and 90% pass accuracy in the opening 45 minutes. Saudi Arabia sat deep in a compact 4-4-2 block, frustrating every Uruguayan advance. At the 40th minute, Saudi Arabia struck from a corner — defender Abdulelah Al-Amri got on the end of the delivery in the box to score, with Fernando Muslera guilty of a poor clearance. The Green Falcons went into the break leading 1-0 despite just 33% possession.

Second Half: Araújo Equalizes at the 80th Minute

Uruguay came out firing in the second half, with Darwin Nuñez and Federico Valverde growing increasingly influential. Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais produced several crucial saves to keep his side ahead. On the 80th minute, a cross from the left found Araújo, whose header was saved by Al-Owais — but Maxi Araújo reacted quickest to the rebound and drilled it home: 1-1! Uruguay pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Saudi Arabia’s defensive shape held firm until the final whistle.

Stats Breakdown: Uruguay Dominated but Lacked Cutting Edge

The numbers paint a clear picture: Uruguay finished with 67% possession, 28 shots to Saudi Arabia’s 7, and an xG of 1.58 vs 0.99. Yet Saudi Arabia’s disciplined block repelled the majority of chances. Uruguay’s over-reliance on crosses played right into the Saudi 4-4-2 setup. Bielsa’s men failed to convert their first-half opportunities and ultimately paid the price.

Group H Standings: All Four Teams on 1 Point

Earlier in the day, Cape Verde stunned Spain 2-1, turning Group H completely on its head. Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde all sit on 1 point apiece. The second round of fixtures is now a must-watch: Uruguay face Spain, and Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde. Every point matters in what is now the most unpredictable group of the tournament.

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