Published June 16, 2026
Maxi Araujo scored a late equalizer in Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia, saving them from a 1-1 draw and preventing Spain from further upsets in Group H following their goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Saudi Arabia famously defeated Argentina 2-1 in the opening game of the 2022 tournament, but until winger Araujo scored with 10 minutes remaining at Miami Stadium on Monday, many expected Abdulela Alamli’s goal in the 41st minute to deliver an even bigger shock.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa believed European champions Spain had undoubtedly missed an opportunity after dropping two points earlier in the day.
“We were the ones to beat. We gave them some time in the first half that suggested we were wrong,” he said. “We had to win this game.”
The Green Falcons will ultimately have goalkeeper Mohamed Alwais to thank for the goal, which will give them confidence to reach the finals for the first time since the last World Cup was held in the United States in 1994.
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said, “We were very tired at the end, but it was a positive for us to play a game like this against this opponent and get the points.”
“I like the spirit and passion of the players, but I think we have the quality to play better.”
Uruguay, winners of the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, started the match with the vigor of favorites, and in the fifth minute, left winger Araujo took a turn from the edge of the box and fired a shot at goal, which was deflected away by Alois.
But apart from Federico Vinas’ diving header after the half-hour mark, which also put Aloys out of the way, the Uruguayan lacked precision up front and often looked a little casual at the back.
Coach Donis promised his team would act courageously and the attack came alive in the 36th minute. Left-back Moteb Alharbi darted past midfield and was cynically cut away 30 meters from goal.
Two minutes later, Alamuri fired a shot from the center of the box, but although Fernando Muslera made a good save, the Uruguayan goalkeeper was unable to prevent the Saudis from taking the lead soon after.
Mohamed Kanno pounced on Musab Al-Juwail’s corner kick and Muslera had a strong header saved, but Alamli smashed the ball into the goal.
Bielsa made two changes at half-time and Uruguay’s game plan soon looked more coherent – gathering players on the flanks and delivering crosses into the box, producing a flurry of headers for Aloys to deal with.
Defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte almost equalized in the 60th minute by beating the Saudi keeper, but his drilled shot deflected off the far post.
Vinas was Uruguay’s best aerial threat throughout the match and it was no surprise that the breakthrough came with his header 10 minutes into full-time.
Aloys again denied his target man, but the ball fell straight to Araujo, who controlled it well and scored at his near post.
Uruguay pushed forward in search of a winner with a frenetic finish. Federico Valverde and José María Jiménez came close to the front with sharp shots from either side of the box, and Aloys brilliantly hit the post.
“I think the nerves of the debut game and the need to go out and score points worked against us,” Vinas said.
“In the second half, I was able to do a little more of what the coach wanted. I’m frustrated and angry, but as captain, I’m satisfied with the work of my teammates.”
