Saudi Arabia managed to hold a strong Uruguay team to a 1-1 draw in their Group Stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday night.
It was Maxi Araujo who scored a late equaliser to salvage a point for Uruguay, who were struggling to find the net despite creating multiple chances throughout the game. This was the tournament’s first major upset after the Saudis had beaten Argentina 2-1 in their 2022 tournament opener.
They looked on course to snatch another famous victory at Miami Stadium on Monday courtesy of a brilliant 41st-minute strike from Abdulelah Alamri, until winger Araujo stepped up 10 minutes from time.
The Uruguay coach seemed deeply upset with what he described as a missed opportunity to earn three points, especially after European champions Spain also failed to win earlier in the day.
“An opponent we should have beaten; we gave away minutes in the first half that suggest we didn’t do things right,” he said. After the game, Saudi coach Georgios Donis said, “We had to win this match. We were very tired at the end, but to play this type of game against this opponent and get a point, it’s positive for us.”
“I like the spirit and the passion of my players, but I think we have the quality to play better,” he added. Uruguay started as clear favourites; however, the strong defence and effective counter-attacks by the Saudi side left many spectators in awe.
Also read: Japan holds Netherlands to thrilling 2-2 draw in 2026 World Cup
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