Uruguay takes lessons from Argentina to avoid surprise from Saudi Arabia
The Uruguay team does not want to suffer the same surprise that happened to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup debut, when they were defeated by Saudi Arabia in the first round.
The Uruguayans approach the first game of Group H of the 2026 World Cup against the Arabs with extreme seriousness, as victory could be decisive for qualifying for the second phase. The key still includes Spain and Cape Verde.
With this, Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, 70 years old, who has already announced his retirement after the World Cup, hopes that the team will be able to impose his favorite tactic on the field. A lot of pressure when marking the opponent's ball and quick completion of attacking plays.
Uruguay was successful in this system against Argentina, in the Qualifiers, when they beat Argentina away from home (2-0), but had problems in the 5-1 defeat suffered against the United States and in the draws with Mexico, England and Algeria.
The two-time champion team starts the World Cup with important absences in the defensive sector. With a muscle injury, Barcelona's experienced defender Ronald Araujo is undergoing treatment and should only be used in the knockout phase.
Captain José María Giménez, defender of Atlético de Madrid, is also out of the debut, as is left-back Piquerez, of Palmeiras. Guillermo Varela, Santiago Bueno, Sebastián Cáceres and Mathías Olivera should form the defense.
The midfield will not be able to count on Arrascaeta, from Flamengo, with a grade 2 injury to his right calf, but it has Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur as a point of balance and security. The bet to be the decisive player is on Federico Valverde, who will create for Darwin Núñez and Federico Viñas in attack.
Saudi Arabia will compete in the third consecutive World Cup and has the obligation to seek a place in the knockout phase, repeating the best campaign of 1994, to justify the government's high investment in football in recent years.
Greek coach Georgios Donis only took charge of the national team in April, but he knows the country's players from having worked at Al-Hilal, Al-Fateh, Al-Wehda and Al-Khaleej. In preparation, they beat Puerto Rico, drew with Senegal and lost to Ecuador.
In a scenario of constant pressure from the South American opponent, the absence of goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, from Al-Nassr, cut by injury, is a point of concern for Donis, who will count on the entry of the experienced Mohammed Al-Owais, a starter in the Qatar Cup.
The Arabs are betting on the speed of Nasser Al-Dawsari and Salem Al-Dawsari to connect counterattacks and take advantage of spaces left by the Uruguayans.
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have only faced each other three times. One in World Cup. It was in 2018, with Uruguay winning 1-0, with a goal from Luís Suárez. In two friendlies, an Arab victory (1-0) in 2002 and a draw (1-1) in 2014.
Where to watch Saudi Arabia x Uruguay
- TV: Globo, Sportv, SBT and N Sports
- Youtube: CazéTV
- Real time: CNN Sports
Saudi Arabia x Uruguay specifications
- Date: 06/15/2026 (Monday)
- Time: 7pm (Brasília time)
- Location: Miami Stadium, Florida, in the United States
- Stage: 1st round of Group H of the World Cup
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Source: CNN