World Cup 2026: Maximiliano Araujo inspires Uruguay comeback as Saudi Arabia held to draw

MIAMI STADIUM: Uruguay were held to a 1–1 draw by Saudi Arabia in their opening Group H fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup here at Seattle Stadium on Monday, with Maximiliano Araujo scoring a late equaliser to rescue a point.

Araujo struck in the 80th minute following a well-worked team move that left the Saudi defence exposed and ultimately secured Uruguay’s comeback.

After the interval, Uruguay took control of the contest, dominating possession with 65% of the ball. They registered 27 shots, 10 of which were on target, as they pressed for a breakthrough.

The South American side also completed 584 passes with an impressive 92% accuracy, underlining their control in midfield.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves, managing 313 passes with 35% accuracy as they spent much of the second half under sustained pressure.

In the first half of the match,Saudi Arabia have looked lively throughout the opening 45 minutes, enjoying periods of possession and registering five attempts on goal, with three on target.

Their pressure was rewarded in the 41st minute when Abdulelah Al-Amri scored the decisive goal.

Uruguay have also created opportunities, matching their opponents with five attempts and testing the goalkeeper with several efforts on target, but they were unable to find an equaliser before the interval.

Both sides are pushing for a crucial victory to strengthen their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.