Maxi Araujo’s 80th-minute finish spared Uruguay a damaging World Cup opener, turning Saudi Arabia’s first-half lead into a 1-1 draw at Hard Rock Stadium.
Al Amri punishes Uruguay before the break
Uruguay controlled the rhythm for long spells, finishing with 65% possession, 502 passes and 24 shots, but their early pressure did not break Saudi Arabia. Araujo forced Mohammed Al-Owais into a fifth-minute save, and Federico Vinas saw a diving header pushed away around the half-hour.
Saudi Arabia’s response carried bite. Moteb Alharbi’s surge drew a foul 30 metres from goal in the 36th minute, then Fernando Muslera saved from Abdulelah Al Amri before the defender struck in the 41st minute, tapping in after Muslera had stopped Mohamed Kanno’s header from a Musab Aljuwayr corner.
Al-Owais keeps Saudi Arabia alive
Marcelo Bielsa made two changes at the interval and Uruguay became sharper down the flanks, loading the box with crosses and headers. Manuel Ugarte came within inches in the 60th minute, beating Al-Owais only for his drilled shot to hit the far post.
Al-Owais was the reason Saudi Arabia kept their lead for so long. Rated 7.9, he played the full 94 minutes, made 8 saves, stopped 8 of Uruguay’s 9 shots on target and won both duels, even as his 36% pass accuracy, 10 completed from 28, reflected the strain around him.
Araujo rescues Uruguay late
The equaliser finally arrived 10 minutes from time. Al-Owais denied Vinas again, but the loose ball dropped to Araujo, who controlled and clipped his finish in at the near post.
Uruguay still pushed for a winner, with Federico Valverde and Jose Maria Gimenez forcing late saves, but 10 corners and 9 shots on target produced only one goal. Saudi Arabia, who had 35% possession and 7 shots, survived through resilience rather than control.
The result leaves both sides with a point from their Group H opener, with Uruguay unable to take full advantage after Spain’s earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde. For Saudi Arabia, ranked fourth in the listed table before kickoff, it is a platform; for Uruguay, ranked third, it is pressure carried forward.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup | Date & Time: Tuesday 16 June 2026, 00:00 CET | Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens | Referee: Maurizio Mariani, Italy
