Uruguay Rescued Late: Saudi Arabia Denied in a 1-1 Draw

Updated 17 June 2026.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at World Cup 2026 finished 1-1, with Uruguay rescuing a late point through Maximiliano Araújo after Abdulelah Al-Amri had given Saudi Arabia a deserved lead at Hard Rock Stadium. The Saudis looked set for a famous result until Uruguay’s quality told on 80 minutes, leaving Group H level after the opening round.

How Uruguay salvaged a draw

Saudi Arabia took the lead through Abdulelah Al-Amri on 41 minutes and, for long spells, looked the more committed side. Uruguay, among the pre-tournament contenders, were made to work hard for their way back into the game. The leveller arrived on 80 minutes through Maximiliano Araújo, sparing the South Americans an embarrassing opening defeat.

It was another result that pointed to how tight the margins are in this group. Saudi Arabia will rue not holding on; Uruguay will know they have plenty of improving to do.

What it means for Group H

The draw left all four Group H teams level on a single point, alongside Spain’s shock 0-0 with Cabo Verde on the same day. Group H is wide open. Track it on our standings page.

What is next

Both sides return to Group H action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. See the day’s full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 15 round-up and the complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score in Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay?

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their World Cup 2026 Group H opener on 15 June at Hard Rock Stadium. Abdulelah Al-Amri scored for Saudi Arabia (41′) and Maximiliano Araújo equalised for Uruguay (80′).

Who scored Uruguay’s equaliser?

Maximiliano Araújo scored Uruguay’s equaliser on 80 minutes to rescue a 1-1 draw, after Abdulelah Al-Amri had put Saudi Arabia ahead before half-time.

Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H.