Uruguay must bounce back after their slip-up: prediction for Uruguay vs Cape Verde - 22.06.2026
The national teams of Uruguay and Cape Verde will clash on June 22, 2026, in the second round of the World Cup group stage. After the opening round, all teams in this group have one point each, but the mood in the camps couldn't be more different: Uruguay viewed their draw with Saudi Arabia as points dropped, while Cape Verde became one of the tournament's sensations by holding off Spain. Here's my take on the total goals market for this encounter.
Uruguay: Bielsa needs to fix the attack and restore balance
Uruguay's first match of the tournament was highly ambiguous. Against Saudi Arabia, Marcelo Bielsa's side dominated possession for long spells without creating real threats, Federico Valverde looked unconvincing on the right flank of midfield, and set pieces near Fernando Muslera's goal repeatedly became a source of trouble.
After the break, Bielsa reshaped the team, moved Valverde closer to the center, and "La Celeste" immediately improved. Uruguay began to deliver the ball into the box more often from the flanks, forced the opposition goalkeeper into plenty of work, and ultimately salvaged a draw, but just couldn't find a winner.
For the clash with Cape Verde, the lineup may resemble the version that played in the second half against the Saudis. Matías Viña could lose his spot to Juan Manuel Sanabria, Darwin Núñez might remain out of the starting eleven, and the 4-3-3 system with Federico Viñas at the tip and Agustín Canobbio on the wing looks a more logical choice to sharpen their positional attacks.
Cape Verde: Defensive discipline has already changed the team's status
Cape Verde was one of the breakout stories of the World Cup's first round. Almost nobody gave the islanders a real shot against Spain, but Bubista's men set up a solid defensive block, withstood the favorites' pressure, and held the reigning European champions to a 0-0 draw.
The "Blue Sharks"' discipline was particularly impressive. Over the entire match against Spain, they committed only one foul, gave their opponents few truly dangerous chances, and 40-year-old Vozinha produced one of the best performances of his career.
Heading into the Uruguay game, there are hardly any serious personnel issues. Only Jovane Cabral, who picked up a knock against Spain, is a doubt, with Willy Semedo potentially taking his place in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, the central defensive partnership of Diney Borges and Roberto Lopes, who excelled in the first round, is almost certain to stay intact.
Probable lineups
- Uruguay: Muslera, Oliveira, Giménez, Manuel Sanabria, Varela, Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Araújo, Canobbio, Viñas.
- Cape Verde: Vozinha, Lopes, Diney, Moreira, Cabral, Pina, Duarte, Mendes, Monteiro, Semedo, Livramento.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the first round, Uruguay drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw.
- In six of Uruguay's last eight matches and four of Cape Verde's last seven, fewer than three goals were scored.
- Cape Verde have kept a clean sheet in five of their last eight matches.
The favorite will have to be patient and wait for their chance: prediction for Uruguay vs Cape Verde
Uruguay remains the more prestigious and experienced side, but their attacking play still lacks conviction. Over their last eight matches, "La Celeste" have only once scored more than a single goal, and the disconnect between midfield and attack persists: there's plenty of work rate and battling in the center, but creativity is lacking.
Cape Verde have already shown they're able to withstand the pressure from top-tier opposition and defend smartly without excessive fouling. However, after their result against Spain, the team may feel more freedom, look to break forward on the counter more often, and that could leave spaces for Uruguay to exploit. This could be the key for the favorites, though a straightforward victory shouldn't be expected.
