Saudi Arabia face Uruguay on Monday evening to launch their 2026 World Cup campaigns.
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami provides the spectacular venue for this intriguing Group H clash. Both nations expect a fascinating battle to reach the knockout stages this summer. They face tough competition from Spain and Cape Verde in a highly competitive section.
Spain are the overwhelming favourites to finish top of the group. However, the battle for the second qualification spot remains completely open. A third-place finish could also secure a knockout spot under the new tournament format.
Saudi Arabia have been regulars at the global showpiece since 1994. They have featured in every tournament except 2010 and 2014. That said, their last two World Cups ended in frustrating group-stage exits.
The Green Falcons have only reached the round of 16 once, back in 1994. Georgios Donis’ side recently played out a goalless draw with Senegal. They also beat Puerto Rico 3-0 before losing 2-1 to Ecuador.
Meanwhile, Uruguay boast a rich history in the prestigious World Cup. La Celeste won the tournament in 1930 and 1950. They also reached the semi-finals relatively recently in 2010.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side aim to improve upon their disappointing 2022 group-stage exit. They recently recorded goalless draws against Mexico and Algeria. They also secured a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay – Match preview and team news
- Date: Monday, 15 June 2026
- Kick-off: 23:00 BST
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
- Last Meeting: Uruguay 1–0 Saudi Arabia (20 June 2018, FIFA World Cup)
Team news
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia will miss Nawaf Al Aqidi for their opening match due to a muscle injury. In his absence, the Green Falcons arrive in strong physical shape. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari is their leading goalscorer with 34 international goals.
The squad will look to their talented number 10 for vital attacking inspiration. Donis has named four players capable of operating as a central striker. Firas Al-Buraikan expects to start through the middle. He boasts 16 goals in 72 appearances for his country.
Uruguay
Uruguay face a mounting defensive injury crisis ahead of this crucial fixture. Ronald Araujo is effectively ruled out with a frustrating calf issue. Jose Gimenez also remains a major doubt due to an ankle problem. Matias Vina is managing a muscle injury, while Sebastian Caceres has a head knock.
Caceres is the most likely to recover and start alongside Santiago Bueno. Giorgian de Arrascaeta is also doubtful with a calf complaint. Federico Valverde will expertly anchor the midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte. Darwin Nunez will lead the attacking line.
Form
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia enter the tournament lacking a clear tactical identity. They have played five friendlies in 2026 with mixed results. A 3-0 win over Puerto Rico and a goalless draw with Senegal stood out.
Donis hopes to rely on a settled defensive unit led by Hassan Al-Tambakti. The Green Falcons are clear underdogs against Uruguay. They hope to replicate their famous upset victory over Argentina from 2022.
Uruguay
Uruguay sailed through their South American qualifying campaign with relative ease. However, their World Cup preparations have raised several major questions. Bielsa’s squad failed to score against Mexico and Algeria recently.
They also suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against the United States. The team must overcome a severe defensive injury crisis to secure victory. They boast enough world-class quality in midfield to dominate possession.
Predicted lineups
Saudi Arabia Predicted XI: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Tambakti, Lajami, Bu; Kanno, Al-Khaibari; N Al-Dawsari, Al-Juwayr, S Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Uruguay Predicted XI: Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Bueno, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur, M Araujo; Vinas, Nunez
How to watch Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1. Viewers in the United States can watch live on Fox Sports.
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