World Cup 2026: Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde Player Ratings

Cape Verde continued their remarkable FIFA World Cup debut with a battling 2-2 draw against Uruguay in Miami, producing another memorable performance against one of world football’s traditional powers. After stunning Spain with a goalless draw in their opening match, the Blue Sharks once again demonstrated resilience and quality to remain unbeaten in Group H.

Match Report

Few expected Cape Verde to trouble Uruguay, but Bubista’s side showed from the opening stages that they belonged on football’s biggest stage.

The breakthrough arrived in spectacular fashion when Kevin Pina curled a stunning free-kick into the net, scoring Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal and sending their supporters into celebration. Uruguay responded quickly through Maxi Araujo before Agustin Canobbio completed the turnaround just before halftime to give the South Americans a 2-1 lead.

Cape Verde refused to surrender. Their organization and determination continued to frustrate Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and they found a deserved equaliser in the second half. Helio Varela capitalized on a costly defensive mistake involving goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and calmly slotted home to make it 2-2. Uruguay pushed hard for a winner, but the Blue Sharks held firm to secure another historic result.

The draw leaves Cape Verde firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32 ahead of their final group match against Saudi Arabia.

Cape Verde Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Vozinha – 5.9

Not his best outing after his heroics against Spain, but the veteran goalkeeper still made some important interventions.

Defence

Pico – 7.2

One of Cape Verde’s strongest performers. Defended aggressively and made several crucial clearances.

Diney Borges – 6.9

Solid throughout and helped withstand Uruguay’s attacking pressure.

Steven Moreira – 6.5

Worked hard on the right side and contributed defensively.

Sidny Lopes Cabral – 6.7

Picked up a yellow card but remained committed and disciplined.

Midfield

Kevin Lenini – 7.6

Cape Verde’s highest-rated starter. Controlled the midfield battle and was instrumental in linking defence with attack.

Ryan Mendes – 6.6

The captain provided leadership and experience in a difficult contest.

Telmo Arcanjo – 6.4

Worked hard before making way early in the second half.

Jamiro Monteiro – 6.6

Showed plenty of energy and helped Cape Verde transition quickly on the counterattack.

Attack

Garry Rodrigues – 6.5

A lively presence in attack and constantly looked to stretch the Uruguayan defence.

Gilson Tavares – 6.1

Worked hard up front but found clear opportunities difficult to create.

Substitutes

Helio Varela – 7.4

The game-changing substitute. Scored the equalising goal and injected fresh energy into the attack.

Deroy Duarte – 6.9

Provided stability after entering at halftime.

Laros Duarte – 6.8

A useful contribution in midfield during the latter stages.

Yannick Semedo – 6.8

Helped Cape Verde remain organized defensively.

Nuno Da Costa – 6.7

Worked tirelessly after replacing Tavares.

Verdict

Kevin Lenini controlled the midfield superbly, while Helio Varela’s impact from the bench proved decisive. Cape Verde have now taken points from Spain and Uruguay, and the dream of reaching the knockout rounds is becoming increasingly realistic for one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages.