Araujo equaliser saves Uruguay's blushes in 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay in a pulsating 1-1 draw on Monday as Asian teams remain unbeaten so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi Arabia's goal keeper Mohammed Alowais tries to save a goal during the group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)

The Saudis took a surprise lead in the 41st minute. Hassan Altambakti sent a bullet header towards goal from a corner. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera couldn't control the ball as Abdulelah Alamri struck it home.

Uruguay was more aggressive in the second half but didn't break through until Maximilliano Araujo fired a rebound past goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais from close range in the 80th minute.

Uruguay wasted too many chances in the match. Alowais denied a point-blank header from Federico Vinas in the first half, then foiled an attempt by Manuel Ugarte in the 61st minute. He also denied Federico Valverde's shot in stoppage time.

The two-time champion dominated the game but failed to grab a victory in the sweltering heat to leave a tricky Group H wide open.

The tie came hours after one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history when European champion Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by debutant Cabo Verde in the same group.

South American teams have got off to a disappointing start to football's biggest tournament, failing to produce a win in four games, while Asian sides have remained unbeaten after Saudi Arabia's draw.

Before Monday's action, Ecuador lost to Cote d'Ivoire 1-0, Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco, and Paraguay was beaten 4-1 by the United States.