Cape Verde make World Cup history with first-ever goal in thrilling draw against Uruguay

Soccer player in a red jersey number 6 raises his right arm in celebration as teammates in yellow bibs surround him on the field.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 22, 2026

Cape Verde celebrated a historic milestone on Sunday after scoring their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Uruguay in Group H at the Hard Rock Stadium.

The tournament debutants produced a spirited performance to earn a valuable point, recovering after surrendering an early lead and keeping their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive heading into their final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia.

Uruguay created the first clear opening of the contest in the 14th minute when Federico Valverde found space inside the penalty area, but the midfielder dragged his effort narrowly wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Cape Verde responded in unforgettable fashion seven minutes later. Kevin Lenini stepped up to a long-range free-kick and curled a magnificent strike into the bottom corner, leaving the Uruguay goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations as it became Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, putting the African side 1-0 ahead and creating one of the most memorable moments in the nation’s football history.

Uruguay responded strongly before half-time. Maximiliano Araújo levelled the score in the 44th minute, reacting quickest to head home after a goalmouth scramble.

The South Americans completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Araújo nodded a cross back across goal for Agustín Canobbio, who bundled the ball into the net to give Uruguay a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Cape Verde refused to be discouraged and found a deserved equaliser in the 61st minute. A costly mistake by the Uruguay goalkeeper allowed Hélder Varela to pounce, calmly finishing into an empty net after the ball fell kindly to him.

Uruguay thought they had restored their lead shortly afterwards, but celebrations were cut short when a goal was ruled out for offside.

Both teams continued to search for a winner in an entertaining finale. Valverde sent a late free-kick just over the crossbar before Canobbio squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time, firing over from close range.

The final whistle confirmed a share of the points in a captivating encounter, but the night belonged to Cape Verde, whose historic first World Cup goal and resilient display earned them a memorable result on football’s biggest stage.

The draw leaves Cape Verde with everything to play for in their final Group H fixture against Saudi Arabia, where victory could secure a place in the knockout rounds.