Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde: World Cup Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Match Preview: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, Cabo Verde prepares to take on Uruguay in what promises to be an intriguing matchup at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. This will be the second group stage match for both teams, with Cabo Verde coming off a surprising goalless draw against Spain and looking to make an impact against the two-time World Cup champions.

Cabo Verde's Journey So Far

Cabo Verde pulled off a remarkable feat by holding reigning European champions Spain to a draw in their World Cup opener, earning a precious point in Group H. This result has placed them in a strong position, as just one more win could propel them into the knockout stage. Their impressive defensive display showcased their ability to disrupt strong attacking teams, but the challenge of facing Uruguay presents a new level of difficulty.

Uruguay's Challenges

Uruguay arrives at this fixture after a disappointing draw with Saudi Arabia, where they struggled to convert possession into goals despite registering 27 shots. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has faced criticism regarding the team’s performance and internal dynamics, but he will seek to rally his players for a more authoritative showing against Cabo Verde. The pressure is on La Celeste to secure a victory that will help stabilize their campaign and ensure progression to the next round.

Key Players to Watch

Uruguay:

• Darwin Núñez: Expected to lead the attack despite a lackluster performance in the first match. He needs to capitalize on scoring opportunities to relieve pressure on his side.
• Giorgian De Arrascaeta and Federico Valverde will play pivotal roles in the midfield, aiming to link defense and attack and create chances.

Cabo Verde:

• Vozinha: The veteran goalkeeper has become a social media sensation, and he will need to replicate his stellar performance against Spain to keep Uruguay at bay.
• Ryan Mendes: As captain, Mendes has to spearhead the attack, providing both creativity and finishing touches to capitalize on any opportunities created.

Predictions

Many pundits favor Uruguay to win convincingly against the African newcomers, with a common prediction settling on a 2-0 scoreline. Cabo Verde's defense will be tested against Uruguay's more experienced lineup, and while they showed resilience against Spain, sustaining that against a refined attacking unit may prove too challenging. The combination of Uruguay's attacking prowess and Cabo Verde's fatigue from their previous match could lead to a significant advantage for La Celeste.

Probable Lineups

Uruguay's Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Muslera; Varela, Cáceres, Olivera, Sanabria; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur, Araújo; Viñas, Núñez.

Cabo Verde's Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1):
Vozinha; Moreira, Lopes, Borges, S. Cabral; Pina; Mendes, L. Duarte, Monteiro, J. Cabral; Livramento.

Match Details

• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• Date: Sunday, June 21
• Kick-off Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST
• Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)

This clash not only marks an essential step in the tournament for both sides but also serves as a platform for underdogs Cabo Verde to showcase their growing footballing prowess on the world stage. Uruguay, expected to exude confidence as the stronger side, will aim to take all three points to cement their qualification hopes in a tightly contested Group H.