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SAUDI ARABIA HOLD URUGUAY TO EARN VALUABLE WORLD CUP POINT
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw in their opening Group H match at the 2026 World Cup in Miami, leaving all four teams in the group level on one point.
Uruguay started brightly and twice forced Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais into action, but it was the Green Falcons who struck first just before half-time.
After Mohamed Kanno’s header was saved, defender Abdulelah Al Amri reacted quickest to bundle home the rebound and hand Saudi Arabia a surprise lead.
The goal marked the first time Saudi Arabia had scored the opening goal in a World Cup match since their victory over Belgium in 1994.
Uruguay responded strongly after the break and created a series of chances, with Al Owais producing several key saves to frustrate Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Maximiliano Araujo converted from close range after another Al Owais save had fallen kindly for the forward.
Uruguay pushed for a winner, but Al Owais capped an outstanding performance with a superb late stop to deny Federico Valverde in stoppage time.
The result leaves Group H finely poised ahead of the second round of matches, with Uruguay set to face Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia taking on Spain on Sunday.