Saudi Arabia and Uruguay settled for a 1-1 draw in an entertaining Group H encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving all four teams in the group level on one point after the opening round of matches.
With Spain and Cape Verde having played out a surprise goalless draw earlier in the day, both sides knew a victory would send them to the top of the standings.
Uruguay started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within five minutes, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais denied Maximiliano Araujo with a fine save.
Saudi Arabia gradually grew into the contest and threatened through Salem Al Dawsari, while Al Owais continued to frustrate Uruguay with key saves.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Abdulelah Al Amri reacted quickest to convert a rebound after Mohamed Kanno’s header had been saved by Fernando Muslera. The goal gave Saudi Arabia a 1-0 lead and ended their long run of World Cup matches without scoring first.
Uruguay improved significantly after halftime following tactical changes from coach Marcelo Bielsa. The South Americans created several chances, with Federico Vinas, Manuel Ugarte, and Federico Valverde all going close.
Saudi Arabia’s resistance was eventually broken in the 80th minute when Araujo pounced on a loose ball after another Al Owais save to level the scores at 1-1.
Uruguay pushed for a winner late on, with Brian Rodriguez and Valverde both testing the Saudi defence, but Al Owais produced another outstanding stop in stoppage time to preserve the draw.
The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group H. Uruguay will next face Cape Verde, while Saudi Arabia take on 2010 champions Spain national football team in their second group-stage match.
