Araujo's Late Strike Rescues Uruguay as They Clinch Hard-Fought Draw Against Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay drew 1-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, with La Celeste earning only their second point in nine opening games at the tournament. The match, played in Miami, saw both teams create scoring opportunities, with Uruguay's Maximiliano Araujo testing Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais early on.
The Saudis took the lead in the 41st minute when Abdulelah Al Amri scored from a rebound, ending their 16-match run without scoring the opening goal in the World Cup. However, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes at halftime, resulting in a stronger second-half performance.
Uruguay pushed for an equalizer, with Manuel Ugarte's long-range shot hitting the post and Federico Valverde's free-kick being saved by Al Owais. The pressure eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Araujo scored the equalizer after Al Owais made another save.
Both teams had further scoring chances, with Brian Rodriguez's long-range strike flying just past the post and Al Owais making a fine one-handed stop to deny Valverde in stoppage time. The draw leaves all four teams in Group H with one point, with Uruguay facing Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia facing Spain on Sunday.
The Saudis took the lead in the 41st minute when Abdulelah Al Amri scored from a rebound, ending their 16-match run without scoring the opening goal in the World Cup. However, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made two changes at halftime, resulting in a stronger second-half performance.
Uruguay pushed for an equalizer, with Manuel Ugarte's long-range shot hitting the post and Federico Valverde's free-kick being saved by Al Owais. The pressure eventually paid off in the 80th minute when Araujo scored the equalizer after Al Owais made another save.
Both teams had further scoring chances, with Brian Rodriguez's long-range strike flying just past the post and Al Owais making a fine one-handed stop to deny Valverde in stoppage time. The draw leaves all four teams in Group H with one point, with Uruguay facing Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia facing Spain on Sunday.
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