Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — different World Cup histories, but the same hunger for success
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay open Group H in Miami, with the two-time world champions Uruguay as favourites, but the Saudis arrive fresh from their famous win over Argentina.
World Cup
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami hosts its first World Cup match tonight, as Saudi Arabia and Uruguay meet in Group H — completed by Spain and Cape Verde.
Uruguay arrive for their 15th World Cup as one of football's most decorated nations — two-time world champions (1930 and 1950), fourth-place finishers in 2010 and quarter-finalists in 2018. Saudi Arabia, on their seventh World Cup appearance, have never matched those heights, though the world still remembers their stunning group stage win over eventual champions Argentina at the last tournament.
The two sides have met twice before. At the 2018 World Cup, Uruguay edged a 1-0 win through a Luis Suarez goal, while Saudi Arabia won a 2002 friendly 3-2.
Recent form is mixed for both sides. Saudi Arabia beat Puerto Rico (3-0) and drew with Senegal (0-0) in their last two outings but suffered three defeats earlier in the year. Uruguay have been drawing frequently — 1-1 with England and 0-0 with Algeria — suggesting a solid defence but struggles in attack.