FOOTBALL WORLD CUP 2026: Saudi Arabia, Uruguay play to 1-1 draw

Maxi Araujo’s late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Uruguay against Saudi Arabia as goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais was the hero.

The Saudi goalkeeper made a string of saves to keep his side in front and while the clean sheet was denied him, his player-of-the-match performance succeeded in frustrating the two-time World Cup winners led by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Following Spain’s shock draw with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia had looked on course to find themselves top of Group H after the first round of games when Abdulelah Al-Amri poked the ball into Fernando Muslera’s net late in the first half after the veteran goalkeeper could only parry Mohamed Kanno’s header.

But Uruguay were much improved in the second half, adding greater urgency following the half-time withdrawal of ex-Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United had a shot tipped against the post by Al-Owais on the hour.

But Araujo finally scored after Al-Owais could only push another Federico Vinas header into his path. Uruguay, who had 27 shots in the game, were well worth their equaliser, and were close to a winner as Miami’s heat tired their opponents but will feel they escaped given how late the equaliser came. (Skysports)