Uruguay avoided an opening-match defeat at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Maxi Araujo found the back of the net to level the score against Saudi Arabia. The Group H contest at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami ended 1-1, with both sides picking up a point in what turned out to be a tense affair.

Saudi Arabia had taken the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 41st minute, heading into halftime with a one-goal cushion. Uruguay, featuring the likes of Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez, spent much of the second half pressing for an equalizer.

Araujo’s late intervention saves La Celeste

Araujo, deployed in an attacking midfield role, delivered the moment Uruguay desperately needed around the 80th minute. The match kicked off at 6 p.m. ET in front of a packed crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.

Group H implications

Both teams now sit on one point in Group H, which also features Spain and Cape Verde. The 2026 tournament marks a historic expansion to 48 teams, the first time FIFA has used this format.

What this means going forward

Uruguay have historically been strong tournament performers relative to their small population of roughly 3.5 million. Their two World Cup titles make them perennial dark horses.

The expanded World Cup format means more matches across venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada.