# Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — Latest News
## Travel Disruption Before the Opener
Uruguay’s World Cup campaign got off to a rocky start off the pitch. The squad arrived in Miami less than 24 hours before their opening match after a flight delay caused by an airline permitting error in Mexico. Coach Marcelo Bielsa and captain José María Giménez missed an initial press conference but attended a rescheduled session later that evening.
## Opening Match: Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay (June 15)
In their Group H opener at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Uruguay drew 1–1 with Saudi Arabia. Abdulelah Al-Amri gave Saudi Arabia the lead in the first half, and despite Uruguay dominating possession and registering 27 shots, they struggled to break through goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who delivered a standout performance. Maximiliano Araújo finally equalized late in the match after Al-Owais parried a Federico Viñas header into his path.
## Squad and Key Absences
Uruguay entered the tournament ranked 16th in the FIFA rankings. Notably, legendary strikers Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani are absent from the 26-player squad. Federico Valverde leads the team as the creative and defensive engine, while Bielsa’s tactical system has produced strong qualifying results, including victories over Argentina and Brazil.
## Group H Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
| — | — | — |
| June 15 | Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay | Miami Gardens, USA |
| June 21 | Uruguay vs. Cape Verde | Miami, USA |
| June 26 | Uruguay vs. Spain | Guadalajara, Mexico |
## What’s Next
Uruguay’s next match is against Cape Verde on June 21 in Miami. After a disappointing draw in the opener, La Celeste will look to secure all three points before facing group favorites Spain in Guadalajara on June 26.
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_Sources: _[_Al Jazeera_](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/6/15/uruguay-squad-lands-in-us-after-flight-delay-ahead-of-world-cup-opener)_, _[_ESPN_](https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/\_/gameId/760429/uruguay-saudi-arabia)_, _[_Sky Sports_](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13552712/world-cup-2026-saudi-arabia-1-1-uruguay-maxi-araujo-levels-late-but-goalkeeper-mohammed-al-owais-is-the-hero)_, _[_FOX Sports_](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/uruguay-world-cup-2026-preview-best-players-roster-history-jersey-predictions)_, _[_Olympics.com_](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-uruguay-players-squad-key-stats-schedule)