Cape Verde unbeaten on World Cup debut after draw with Uruguay
10 reported
Cape Verde, an African island nation with a population of around 500,000, earned a 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winner Uruguay on Monday, June 22, 2026, according to a Sky Sports report. The result keeps Cape Verde unbeaten on their tournament debut, following a goalless draw with tournament favorites Spain. The team showed bravery against Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, with goals from Kevin Pina and substitute Helio Varela. Cape Verde’s performance included a solo run by midfielder Telmo Arcanjo and a nutmeg by Garry Rodrigues, a former postman who played amateur football early in his career. The report notes that Cape Verde have a good chance of reaching the knockout stage, needing to better Uruguay’s final day result against Spain to qualify. The article describes Cape Verde as “everyone’s second team” and “the story of this World Cup.”
What’s reported
Cape Verde earned a 2-2 draw against Uruguay on June 22, 2026.
The nation has a population of around 500,000 people.
Uruguay have won the World Cup twice.
Cape Verde previously drew 0-0 with tournament favorites Spain.
Kevin Pina scored from a free-kick; Helio Varela scored three minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Telmo Arcanjo made a solo run from his own half and drew a yellow card from Rodrigo Bentancur.
Garry Rodrigues, a former postman and amateur player, nutmegged Guillermo Varela.
Cape Verde ended the first half with 10 players due to Arcanjo’s hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, age 40, faced only two tests from Uruguay.
Cape Verde need to better Uruguay’s final day result against Spain to qualify for the knockout stage.
Key figures
Kevin Pina (Cape Verde player)
Telmo Arcanjo (Cape Verde midfielder)
Helio Varela (Cape Verde substitute)
Garry Rodrigues (Cape Verde player)
Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay manager)
Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay player)
Guillermo Varela (Uruguay player)
Fernando Muslera (Uruguay goalkeeper)
Vozinha (Cape Verde goalkeeper)
Sidny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde player)
Pico Lopes (Cape Verde centre-back, born in Dublin)
Diney Borges (Cape Verde centre-back)
Mathias Olivera (Uruguay centre-back)
Sources: Sky Sports
