Group H Matchday 2. Uruguay, Bielsa's tactical project after the comfortable matchday 1 win over Saudi Arabia, face Cape Verde, the smallest African nation ever at a World Cup, after their narrow matchday 1 loss to Spain. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosts.
Why: Uruguay's talent depth is significantly greater. Valverde, Nunez, De Arrascaeta, Pellistri, Ugarte, Bentancur all play Champions League. Cape Verde have spirit and discipline but lack the cutting edge to keep up. Plus Bielsa's high-pressing style typically overwhelms compact opposition.
Nunez moved to Al-Hilal in summer 2025 and scored 18 SPL goals in his debut season. His pace will overwhelm Cape Verde's centre-backs. Anytime price 1.85.
Andrade picks up cards regularly at international pace. Tasked with breaking up Uruguay's transitions through Nunez and Valverde, the foul rate climbs. Anytime Card around 2.30.
The match is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Soccer capacity 65,000.
Hard Rock hosts seven matches at the 2026 World Cup including the third-place playoff.
Uruguay have won two World Cups (1930, 1950) and reached the semi-finals in 2010.
Marcelo Bielsa's high-pressing tactical approach is unique at international level.
Something cool: Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on matchday 1 with Nunez and Valverde goals. They now lead Group H and the Cape Verde win would essentially seal the runner-up spot.
Cape Verde, the island nation of 600,000 off West Africa, are at their first World Cup.
Pedro Leitao Brito's tactical setup is compact 4-4-2 defending.
Something cool: Cape Verde lost matchday 1 to Spain 0-3 in a result that was within bookmaker expectations. They need 4+ points from Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to advance via best-third path.
Valverde was named Uruguay captain by Bielsa in 2024.
Multiple La Liga and Champions League titles at Real Madrid.
Captaining at his second World Cup as the senior international leader.
Mendes is Cape Verde captain at 36.
Plays in UAE Pro League for Al Wahda after a career across Europe.
Captaining Cape Verde at their first ever World Cup.
Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 on matchday 1 with goals from Nunez and Valverde.
Cape Verde lost matchday 1 to Spain 0-3.
Based on each side's most recent friendly. Final XIs confirm one hour before kick-off; this page will update.
| Date | Match | Venue | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jun | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | Miami | Preview → |
| 15 Jun | Spain vs Cape Verde | Atlanta | Preview → |
| 21 Jun | Spain vs Saudi Arabia | Atlanta | Preview → |
| 21 Jun | Uruguay vs Cape Verde | Miami | This page |
| 26 Jun | Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia | Houston | Preview → |
| 26 Jun | Uruguay vs Spain | Zapopan | Preview → |
All four teams, qualification scenarios and BetBot predictions: See full Group H overview →
Bielsa's Uruguay 4-3-3 with Valverde deep, Ugarte and Bentancur in midfield, Nunez-De Arrascaeta-Pellistri in attack.
Bubista's Cape Verde 4-4-2 with Andrade and Rocha double pivot, Mendes as the playmaking ten.
Uruguay clinch second or first with the win. Cape Verde need a win to keep best-third hopes alive.
Sunday 21 June 2026 at 18:00 ET (00:00 CEST Monday 22 June). Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
Central midfielder Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), captain since 2024 under Bielsa.
Winger Ryan Mendes (Al Wahda), Cape Verde captain at 36.
Talent depth gap is significant. Uruguay's spine (Valverde, Nunez, Ugarte, Bentancur, Araujo) plays Champions League; Cape Verde's squad is mostly lower-tier European.
First ever World Cup. Second-smallest nation to qualify (after Curacao). Topped CAF Group D ahead of Cameroon.
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