Tuesday June 16, 2026
Players of Saudi Arabia are seen during the group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)
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Saudi Arabia delivered one of the day’s more spirited performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, battling Uruguay to a 1-1 draw on Monday and keeping Asian teams unbeaten in the tournament so far.
The Saudis stunned the two-time champions by striking first in the 41st minute. Hassan Altambakti rose to meet a corner with a powerful header, and when Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to deal with the ball, Abdulelah Alamri pounced to force it over the line.
Uruguay pressed harder after the interval and eventually found a way through in the 80th minute, when Maximilliano Araujo followed up a rebound and fired past goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais from close range.
Even so, the South Americans will be left frustrated by a string of missed opportunities. Alowais kept Saudi Arabia in front with a sharp stop from Federico Vinas’ point-blank header in the first half, then turned away a Manuel Ugarte effort in the 61st minute. He also denied Federico Valverde deep into stoppage time.
Uruguay controlled large stretches of the contest but could not make that superiority count in the heavy heat, leaving Group H finely balanced and open to all possibilities.
The draw came only hours after another major surprise in the same group, with European champion Spain held to a 0-0 stalemate by World Cup debutant Cabo Verde.
The opening round has been bleak for South American sides, who have yet to record a win in four matches. Asian teams, by contrast, have stayed unbeaten after Saudi Arabia’s hard-earned point.
Earlier on Monday, Ecuador fell 1-0 to Cote d’Ivoire, Brazil was held 1-1 by Morocco, and Paraguay suffered a 4-1 defeat to the United States.
