MIAMI — Saudi Arabia made an encouraging start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay in its opening Group H match on Monday.
The Green Falcons took the lead through defender Abdulelah Al Amri before Uruguay struck late through Maximiliano Araújo to rescue a share of the points.
After a balanced opening period, Uruguay began to assert control following the first cooling break, but goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais produced a key save to deny Federico Viñas from close range midway through the first half.
Saudi Arabia gradually grew into the contest and looked dangerous from set pieces. Their pressure paid off in the 41st minute when Al Amri rose highest to convert a well-worked corner and give the Green Falcons a deserved lead.
Uruguay pushed forward after the break in search of an equalizer, but a combination of wasteful finishing and another assured display from Al Owais kept Saudi Arabia in front for much of the second half.
The breakthrough finally came when Araújo reacted quickest to a rebound after Al Owais had parried a powerful header from Viñas, leveling the score for the South Americans.
Both teams had chances to snatch victory in an entertaining finale. Saud Abdulhamid fired over the crossbar for Saudi Arabia, while Al Owais produced a crucial stoppage-time save to keep out a fierce effort from Federico Valverde.
The result gives Saudi Arabia an important point in one of the tournament’s toughest groups and continues the positive start to Georges Donis’ tenure as head coach.
The Green Falcons will next face Spain on Sunday, while Uruguay takes on Cape Verde in the other Group H fixture.
Source: Saudi Gazette