2026 World Cup: Saudi Arabia almost embarrassed Uruguay before Araujo scored the equaliser.

La Celeste Saudi Arabia pulled off a surprise in the opening fixture of 2026 World Cup Group H by holding Uruguay to a Draw at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday morning. Maxi Araujo's goal in the final 10 minutes of the match saved Uruguay from defeat. 

This result leaves Group H wide open, after Spain also failed to claim full victory over Cape Verde earlier. No team secured all three points in the opening matches for this group.

Uruguay dominated right from kickoff. Marcelo Bielsa's side held majority possession but struggled to break down Saudi Arabia's compact defensive line.

Uruguay's first chance arrived in the 5th minute, when Maxi Araujo struck an effort that was safely gathered by Saudi Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.

Despite being pinned under constant pressure, Saudi Arabia were not without attacking opportunities. In the 38th minute, Abdulelah Al-Amri almost put The Green Falcons ahead, only for his shot inside the penalty box to be denied by veteran keeper Fernando Muslera.

Just three minutes later, Saudi Arabia took the lead. From a corner delivered by Musab Al-Juwayr, Hassan Tambakti directed the ball towards goal. Muslera got a hand to the initial effort, but Al-Amri pounced on the loose rebound to put Saudi Arabia 1-0 up in the 41st minute, a lead they held heading into half-time.

Uruguay emerged for the second half under heavy pressure to overturn the deficit. Federico Vinas came close to equalising with a header, only for Al-Owais to produce a spectacular save to preserve his side's lead.

Uruguay's pressure continued into the 50th minute. Vinas got another headed opportunity from Maxi Araujo's corner delivery, but the attempt drifted wide of the target.

In the 60th minute, Manuel Ugarte unleashed a powerful long-range strike from outside the penalty area. The ball deflected off Al-Owais before crashing against the goalpost.

As the match entered its final 20 minutes, Uruguay pinned Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half. Al-Owais was kept constantly busy, denying efforts from Federico Valverde, Nicolas De La Cruz, and Maxi Araujo.

Uruguay's relentless pressure finally paid off in the 80th minute. Mathias Olivera sent in a cross from the left flank which was met by a header from Federico Vinas. Al-Owais parried the ball, but the loose drop fell straight to the feet of Maxi Araujo.

Araujo kept his composure, firing a low driven shot past Al-Owais into the net. This goal levelled the score at 1-1, ultimately saving Uruguay from defeat.

Despite Saudi Arabia being unable to hold on to their lead, Al-Owais recorded at least eight saves over the full match, including six crucial stops during the second half.

Lineups

Saudi Arabia (4-4-2): Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat; Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Mohamed Kanno; Nasser Al-Dawsari, Musab Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari; Feras Al-Buraikan.

Uruguay (4-4-2): Fernando Muslera; Guillermo Varela, Matias Vina, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Manuel Ugarte, Maximiliano Araujo; Darwin Nunez, Federico Vinas.