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
