Uruguayvs
Cape Verde
Group Stage · Sun, Jun 21, 2026 · 23:00 ET · Estadio Miami, Miami
Houston’s furnace and Uruguay’s old-school physicality
NRG Stadium’s 3pm kickoff (local time) plays into Marcelo Bielsa’s high-press system — Uruguay ran 8km more per game than any CONMEBOL qualifier. But Darwin Núñez’s aerial threat (14 headed goals for Liverpool since 2022) must adapt to Texas humidity. Cape Verde’s Ryan Mendes told Record: 'We trained in Praia’s 35°C for this.' Their 5-4-1 held Morocco to 0.8 xG in January.
The Garra Charrua vs Bubista’s counterpunch
Uruguay’s Federico Valverde averages 12.3km per game — third in La Liga. But Cape Verde coach Bubista drilled defensive transitions after beating Ghana 2-1 in October. Watch left-back Stopira, who pocketed Mohammed Kudus. Uruguay’s weak spot? Only 3 clean sheets in 12 qualifiers. Jovane Cabral’s pace could exploit Ronald Araújo’s aggressive positioning.
Group H’s third-place insurance policy
With Spain favorites and Canada’s home advantage, this is a must-not-lose for both. Uruguay’s +12 GD in CONMEBOL qualifying suggests superiority, but Cape Verde held Tunisia and Egypt to draws in 2023. A loss here likely eliminates the loser from advancing among third-place teams — check real-time scenarios on our /world-cup-2026-standings.
Match details
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Stage: Group Stage
- Venue: Estadio Miami, Miami
- Kickoff: Sun, Jun 21, 2026 · 23:00 ET
Teams
Related matches
Frequently asked questions
What time is Uruguay vs Cape Verde in ET?+
4pm Eastern Time on June 21, 2026 — NRG Stadium’s retractable roof may close if temperatures exceed 95°F.
Has Cape Verde ever played Uruguay before?+
No. This is their first senior men’s meeting — Uruguay faced Senegal (2018) and Ghana (2022) in recent World Cups.
Who is Cape Verde’s danger man?+
Ryan Mendes. The 36-year-old winger has 18 international goals and created 3 big chances in AFCON 2023.
What’s Uruguay’s record vs African teams?+
W3 D1 L2 in World Cups — including the infamous 2010 Ghana handball and 2022 defeat to Senegal.
How many third-place teams advance?+
8 of 12 third-place teams qualify for the Round of 32 — see tiebreakers on /world-cup-2026-groups.
Is this Uruguay’s hottest World Cup match?+
Possibly. Their 1954 game vs Austria (37°C in Lausanne) holds the record — Houston averages 34°C in June.