Saudi Arabia began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Miami, earning an important point in their Group H opener.

The match was played at Miami Stadium on Monday, where both teams had to deal with hot and humid conditions. The temperature was above 30C in the evening, and the weather appeared to affect the early rhythm of the game.

Uruguay started as the stronger side on paper and created some early pressure, but Saudi Arabia stayed organised and looked for chances on the counterattack. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais played an important role for the Green Falcons, making several saves to keep Uruguay from taking control of the match.

Saudi Arabia took a surprise lead in the 41st minute through defender Abdulelah Al-Amri. After Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to deal cleanly with a set-piece situation, Al-Amri reacted quickly and sent the ball into the net.

Uruguay increased their pressure after the break and pushed Saudi Arabia deep into their own half. Marcelo Bielsa’s side created several chances, but they found Al-Owais in strong form for much of the second half.

The equaliser finally came in the 80th minute when Maxi Araujo scored from close range. Al-Owais had blocked an initial effort, but the rebound fell kindly for Araujo, who finished to make it 1-1.

Uruguay continued to search for a late winner, with Federico Valverde and Jose Maria Gimenez both going close. Saudi Arabia, however, held firm under pressure and secured a valuable result against one of South America’s strongest teams.

The draw left Group H evenly balanced after Spain were also held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde earlier in the day. With all four teams starting with one point each, the group remained wide open after the first round of matches.