Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay: Araujo clinches late draw for Bielsa's men in World Cup opener

Uruguay salvaged a point in their opening game at the 2026 World Cup as they drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia.

Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser for Uruguay after Abdulelah Al Amri gave Saudi Arabia a half-time lead, with all four teams in Group H starting with a draw following Spain's earlier stalemate with Cape Verde.

Uruguay started on the front foot and tested Mohammed Al Owais early on as the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper pushed away a powerful drive from Araujo, while Federico Vinas mistimed his header from the resulting corner.

Marcelo Bielsa's side had 60% possession during the opening 35 minutes, but were unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute defence.

Saudi Arabia then gained momentum towards the end of the half, with Al Amri forcing a good save from Fernando Muslera, though the goalkeeper could do nothing minutes later when Al Amri reacted quickest to a rebound from Mohamed Kanno's header to tap in.

Uruguay were back on top to start the second half, and went close to an equaliser when Manuel Ugarte's strike from distance was tipped onto the post by Al Owais.

They eventually levelled in the 80th minute as Araujo fired in at the near post from a tight angle after Vinas' initial header was kept out by Al Owais.

Substitute Nicolas De La Cruz and Federico Valverde both went close to scoring a stoppage-time winner for Uruguay, but the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper stood firm to hold on for a draw.

Persistence pays off for Uruguay

Uruguay's equalising goal came on their 12th attempt in the second half, at which point Saudi Arabia had not registered a shot after the break.

Overall, Uruguay accumulated 1.59 expected goals (xG) from 28 shots to Saudi Arabia's 0.99 from just seven attempts.

The South American side would have been wondering if they would score after Ugarte struck the woodwork, but Araujo eventually found the magic touch to secure what could prove to be a vital point.

Araujo is the first Uruguayan player to score on his World Cup debut since Diego Forlan did so in 2002 against Senegal, while he has been directly involved in more goals than any other Uruguay player across their last two major tournaments (Copa America and World Cup), recording four goal involvements (three goals and one assist).

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will certainly take a point, especially after they pressure the faced in the second half.

Al Owais made nine saves to deny Uruguay victory, while a win against Spain or Cape Verde could now see Saudi Arabia reach the knockout rounds; Saudi Arabia have advanced beyond the first round in just one of their six previous World Cup appearances – it was at the 1994 tournament in the USA.