Uruguay vs Cape Verde Islands — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Bielsa's Uruguay return on Matchday 2 against Cape Verde, the spirited World Cup debutants, in a Group H game La Celeste will see as a chance to seize control. Uruguay's high-pressing, vertical identity and the engines of Federico Valverde and Manuel Ugarte make them strong favourites; Cape Verde, the history-making Blue Sharks, will be compact and committed.
Uruguay will look to suffocate Cape Verde high up the pitch and attack quickly through Darwin Nunez; the debutants will defend in numbers, stay organised and look to frustrate while threatening through the experience of Ryan Mendes.
Expect Uruguay to dominate the rhythm and Cape Verde to dig in. The South Americans' intensity and quality should give them the platform to control, but the newcomers have already shown they belong on this stage.
Key storylines
- 01Uruguay's chance to take charge of the group.
- 02Bielsa's relentless pressing identity on show.
- 03Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut continues.
- 04Federico Valverde drives the Uruguayan midfield.
- 05Darwin Nunez leads the line as the main goal threat.
Prediction
Uruguay's class and intensity to tell. Friendly call: Uruguay 2-0 Cape Verde Islands.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Uruguay
Formation 4-3-3- 1Sergio Rochet (GK)
- 2Nahitan Nandez
- 3Ronald Araujo
- 4Jose Gimenez
- 5Mathias Olivera
- 6Manuel Ugarte
- 7Federico Valverde
- 8Rodrigo Bentancur
- 9Facundo Pellistri
- 10Darwin Nunez
- 11Maximiliano Araujo
Cape Verde Islands
Formation 4-5-1- 1Vozinha (GK)
- 2Steven Moreira
- 3Logan Costa
- 4Sidny Lopes Cabral
- 5Wagner Pina
- 6Jamiro Monteiro
- 7Deroy Duarte
- 8Kevin Pina
- 9Garry Rodrigues
- 10Ryan Mendes
- 11Willy Semedo
Team news
Uruguay
- Federico Valverde is the relentless engine of the Uruguay midfield.
- Darwin Nunez leads the line as the main goal threat.
- Bielsa's side press with aggressive intensity.
Cape Verde Islands
- Ryan Mendes brings experience and quality to Cape Verde's attack.
- The Blue Sharks will defend deep and disciplined.
- Cape Verde are enjoying a historic first World Cup.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
Predict this match
UruguayCape Verde IslandsExact 3 pts · correct result 1 pt
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