Saudi Arabia held two-time champions Uruguay to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, four years after stunning eventual champions Argentina in their tournament opener in Qatar.
Uruguay dominated much of the first half but Saudi Arabia took the lead against the run of play in the 41st minute when veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera made a costly error from a set-piece. The goalkeeper parried the ball into the path of Al Amri, who calmly poked home from close range.
The majority of the second half was played in Saudi Arabia’s half as Uruguay pressed relentlessly for an equaliser. Their persistence eventually paid off when Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais also made a mistake, allowing Ronald Araujo to pounce on a loose ball and fire home.
Hydration breaks once again proved influential. Following the first break, both teams increased their intensity and Saudi Arabia went on to score the opening goal.
In the second half, another break provided Saudi Arabia with an opportunity to regroup and withstand sustained Uruguayan pressure.
The result leaves Saudi Arabia and Uruguay level on points in Group H alongside Spain and tournament debutants Cape Verde, who earlier made history by holding the European champions to a draw in their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Meanwhile, Iran twice came from behind to deny New Zealand a first-ever FIFA World Cup victory in a thrilling 2-2 draw in Los Angeles.
Motherwell forward Elijah Just gave New Zealand a dream start, smashing home a half-volley after Chris Wood held up the ball and laid it into his path.
New Zealand continued to threaten, but as has frequently been the case at this World Cup, the first hydration break midway through the opening half shifted the momentum. Iran capitalised when Ramin Rezaeian flicked the ball past goalkeeper Max Crocombe to level the score.
Before equalising, Iran’s star striker Mehdi Taremi had come close when he struck the post with a powerful effort from outside the box. Iran also had a goal ruled out for offside before the interval.
New Zealand were slow to settle after the break, but Just struck again to restore their lead. Combining once more with Wood, he lifted the ball over Alireza Beiranvand to make it 2-1.
However, Iran responded once more. Mohammad Mohebbi met a cross from Rezaeian and guided a header in off the inside of the post to secure a share of the spoils.
The result means every team in Group G has one point after Belgium and Egypt also played out a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture.
(The Whistler)
