Saudi Arabia came within ten minutes of another famous World Cup victory but Maxi Araujo's late equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw for Uruguay in Miami. The Saudis, who stunned eventual champions Argentina in their opener at the 2026 tournament, took the lead through centre-back Abdulelah Al-Amri just before half-time and looked set to repeat the heroics.
Uruguay had struggled to create clear chances in a tepid first half, with Federico Vinas seeing a header saved by Mohammed Al-Owais after 30 minutes. However, the South Americans were warned in the 38th minute when Al-Amri connected with a corner and forced Fernando Muslera into a fine save. Three minutes later, the same defender reacted quickest to turn in the rebound after Muslera had kept out Mohamed Kanno's header.
Uruguay dominated possession after the interval and went close when Manuel Ugarte hit the post with a low effort from distance. The pressure finally told with ten minutes remaining as Araujo steered home an equaliser from close range after Vinas' header had been saved by Al-Owais. Substitute Brian Rodriguez curled an effort wide as Uruguay pushed for a winner, and Al-Owais made excellent saves from Nicolas de la Cruz and Federico Valverde in stoppage time.
The draw means that teams from the Asian Football Confederation remain unbeaten in their first five matches at this World Cup, with each of those games played against European or South American opposition. The result is another surprising one in Group H, as Cape Verde earlier held Spain to a goalless draw. All four teams now have one point, with Uruguay top on goal difference, Saudi Arabia second, Cape Verde third, and Spain—pre-tournament favourites—propping up the table.
For Uruguay, the result extends their unbeaten run in World Cup group stages but raises questions about their attacking efficiency. Saudi Arabia will rue missed opportunities to claim another scalp but remain well placed to progress from the group for the first time since their run to the last 16 in 1994.