LONDON: It is not just Saudi Arabia that have had an uncertain preparation period for the 2026 World Cup.
Opening game opponents Uruguay have also not been at their best, and still remember how their South American neighbors Argentina fared in the first opening match against the Green Falcons in 2022.
On that unforgettable day in Qatar, Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat the South Americans 2-1 and would love to repeat that result on Monday in Miami, with Spain and Cape Verde to follow in Group H.
Uruguay are determined not to let that happen in Miami.
“Of course (people are concerned about a repeat), everyone across the globe still talks about that game four years on,” Nathan Joyes of The Copa Club, and an expert on South American football, told Arab News.
“Lightning can strike twice when it comes to football, and so Uruguay must not slip at the first hurdle. Uruguay will need their key players, such as Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, to lead by example.”
In 2023, the two-time world champions appointed Marcelo Bielsa as head coach but the influential Argentine boss has come under criticism for the team’s performances which included a 5-1 loss to the US in November and a 0-0 draw with Algeria in March.
“Uruguay won’t want to take anything for granted. Having only played two matches in 2026, Bielsa still hasn’t picked up a win this year and he’ll know better than anyone nothing is guaranteed in football.”
“Outside of Uruguay, not many journalists or pundits have much hope of La Celeste achieving anything special this summer, but those closer to the camp might just disagree,” Joyes added.
After the game with Saudi Arabia, the South Americans will go on to face Cape Verde and then Spain.
“Uruguay will have been pleased with the draw overall, but now it’s time to make sure they find their rhythm and pick up three points in round one.”
Striker Darwin Nunez may have a point to prove after not getting much playing time for Al-Hilal but the former Liverpool man could also be feeling a little rusty.
“Saudi Arabia will certainly be hoping his lack of minutes on the pitch domestically impacts Uruguay’s performance in front of goal,” said Joyes.
While Uruguay are Argentina’s close neighbors, Saudi Arabia may find them a different proposition.
“Attention is firmly on Argentina and Brazil heading to the World Cup, but that might just suit Marcelo Bielsa and his squad. Uruguay are disciplined and will fight ugly if required, yet there’s several key players who have that creative spark to nick valuable points and win games,” said Joyes.
Ultimately however, there is confidence that Uruguay will start with a win and will make it through.
He added: “Spain and Uruguay are firm favorites to qualify and those two should be nailed on, especially as they don’t meet until the final round where they could both be on six points.
“Saudi Arabia’s qualification will likely all fall on their result versus Cape Verde and look to keep the goal difference to a minimum when facing the other two giants.”
It remains to be seen if Saudi Arabia can upset predictions once more.
