Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks have matched a rare World Cup achievement previously attained only by Cameroon and Senegal after holding Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playing their second match of the tournament, the African side earned a valuable point against the two-time world champions, extending their unbeaten start to the competition.
Cape Verde had already impressed in their World Cup debut by securing a goalless draw against 2010 champions Spain.
According to Stats Foot, Cape Verde have become just the third African nation to avoid defeat in their first two World Cup matches, following Cameroon in 1982, who drew both games, and Senegal in 2002, who recorded a win and a draw.
Kevin Pina handed Cape Verde the lead in the 21st minute with a superb long-range free-kick that squeezed through Uruguay’s defensive wall.
Uruguay responded just before the break when Maxi Araujo scored his second goal of the tournament to level proceedings.
The South Americans then turned the game around deep into first-half stoppage time, with Araujo setting up Agustin Canobbio to make it 2-1.
However, Cape Verde refused to back down and restored parity in the 61st minute through Helio Varela.
A misplaced pass from Mathias Olivera forced goalkeeper Fernando Muslera off his line, and Varela capitalised by delicately lifting the ball over the veteran keeper before finishing into an empty net.
The draw leaves Cape Verde in contention for a place in the Round of 32. Victory over Saudi Arabia in their final group match on June 26 would secure qualification.
Elsewhere in Group H, Spain bounced back from their opening draw by cruising to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
