Uruguayan forward Agustin Canobbio (left) battles for the ball with Saudi Arabia’s striker Salem Al-Dawsari during the Group H match of the 2026 World Cup on Monday (15 June 2026) at Miami Stadium.

MIAMI – Saudi Arabia upheld Asia’s pride after holding Uruguay to a draw in their opening Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Five Asian representatives have now played their first matches in the tournament, and none have suffered defeat.

In total, Asian teams have recorded two victories and three draws in their opening fixtures.

Wins came from South Korea and Australia, while Qatar and Japan both secured draws, now joined by Saudi Arabia in maintaining the positive record.

First Half

Playing at Miami Stadium on Tuesday (16 June 2026) Indonesia time, both teams began with a cautious tempo, aiming to avoid early errors.

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were careful in possession, making it difficult for either side to create clear chances.

Set pieces and long-range shots became the main attacking options for both teams, yet neither could find the breakthrough.

After the hydration break, Uruguay started to play more freely and created a golden opportunity in the 30th minute through a fine cross from Maxi Araujo on the left wing.

However, Federico Vinas, who was left unmarked, failed to put La Celeste ahead as his header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.

Saudi Arabia responded aggressively, and Abdulelah Al-Amri came close in the 36th minute with a powerful strike that forced Fernando Muslera into a fine save.

The Green Falcons’ positive momentum finally paid off in the 40th minute when they opened the scoring.

Muslera initially managed to save a header from Mohamed Kanno following a corner, but he failed to clear the rebound properly, allowing Abdulelah Al-Amri to slot home and make it 1–0 for Saudi Arabia.

Uruguay increased their attacking intensity after conceding, but the score remained unchanged as referee Maurizio Mariani of Italy ended the first half.

Second Half

Coach Marcelo Bielsa made two substitutions at the start of the second half to strengthen Uruguay’s attack, bringing on Agustin Canobbio and Juan Manuel Sarabia for Darwin Nunez and Matias Vina.

The changes added energy to La Celeste’s offense, and Canobbio immediately threatened with two headers early in the half, both denied by Al-Owais.

The South American side continued to press, with Manuel Ugarte’s shot from distance in the 60th minute rattling the crossbar.

Al-Owais once again proved unbeatable, this time stopping a dangerous free-kick from Federico Valverde in the 66th minute.

Uruguay’s persistence finally paid off in the 80th minute. Al-Owais managed to parry Canobbio’s header, but Maxi Araujo pounced on the rebound to level the score at 1–1.

In the closing stages, Uruguay launched waves of attacks, yet Al-Owais continued his outstanding performance, ensuring Saudi Arabia secured a valuable point.

Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay (Abdulelah Al-Amri 40′ / Maxi Araujo 80′)

Line-ups:

Saudi Arabia: 21-Mohammed Al-Owais, 4-Abdulelah Al-Amri, 5-Hasan Al-Tambakti, 12-Saud Abdulhamid, 24-Moteb Al-Harbi, 26-Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat (13-Nawaf Bu Washl 81'), 7-Musab Al-Juwayr (6-Nasser Aldawsari 63'), 15-Abdullah Al-Khaibari, 23-Mohamed Kanno, 9-Feras Al-Brikan, 10-Salem Al-Dawsari (Captain)

Coach: Gergios Donis

Uruguay: 23-Fernando Muslera (GK), 3-Sebastian Caseres, 13-Guillermo Varela, 16-Mathias Olivera, 17-Matias Vina (14-Agustin Canobbio 45'), 5-Manuel Ugarte (7-Nicolas De La Cruz 70'), 6-Rodrigo Bentancur, 8-Federico Valverde (Captain), 20-Maxi Araujo (18-Brian Rodriguez 81'), 9-Darwin Nunez (25-Juan Manuel Sanabria 45'), 21-Federico Vinas

Coach: Marcelo Bielsa