Uruguay v Cape Verde: 2026 World Cup Prediction

Both Uruguay and Cape Verde caused a minor upset in their opening matches at the 2026 World Cup. One country in a negative sense, the other in a positive sense. Saudi Arabia gave the Uruguayans a real run for their money and, in a remarkable display, held the South Americans to a 1-1 draw. Cape Verde pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, drawing 0-0 with Spain. The question is: how will they fare against each other? And can Cape Verde spring another surprise?

Betting at Oranje Palace

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Current Form & Team News

Uruguay

It goes without saying that the 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia was a huge disappointment for the Uruguayans. The former World Cup champions from South America had a total of 27 shots on goal, but failed to score more than one goal. Captain Federico Valverde went on to say that, in his view, his side had completely thrown the game away in the first half. Can Marcelo Bielsa’s team bounce back and be just that little bit sharper in front of goal? It’s absolutely vital, as Cape Verde’s goalkeeper is clearly in top form.

Cape Verde

What a celebration there was last week following the 0–0 draw between Cape Verde and Spain. Not only on the island off the coast of Senegal, but certainly in Rotterdam too. There was dancing, partying and laughter, and the atmosphere was fantastic.

What stood out most was the fitness and discipline the Cape Verdeans displayed. And that’s something you don’t often see in teams making their World Cup debut. The belief in reaching the next round is there, but that will require a win against Uruguay or Saudi Arabia. Can they pull it off, in what will undoubtedly be a packed Hard Rock Stadium in Miami?

Head-to-Head

Unfortunately, we can’t treat you to a fascinating anecdote from one of the previous encounters between Uruguay and Cape Verde. Neither side has ever played each other before.

Expected Line-ups

Uruguay (4-3-3)

Rochet, Olivera, Giménez, Araujo, Varela, Ugarte, Le Cruz, Valverde, M. Araujo, Núñez, Canobbio

Cape Verde (4-3-3)

Vozinha, Paulo, Diney, Costa, Cabral, Pina, Monteiro, Y. Semedo, W. Semedo, Livramento, Mendes

Uruguay v Cape Verde Betting Tips

Betting Tip 1: Uruguay to win with a 3-way handicap (-1)

We’re somewhat surprised that the odds for a Uruguay win over Cape Verde are still relatively attractive at 1.44. We expect the Cape Verdean dream to be shattered for a while. Simply because Uruguay are out for redemption and must win this match to progress. Especially as they still have to face Spain. We therefore think Uruguay will win by at least two goals. This will earn you odds of 2.28 at Oranje Palace.

Betting tip 2: Over 1.5 shots on target – Federico Valverde

There’s little doubt as to who Uruguay’s best player is. That’s, of course, Federico Valverde, one of Real Madrid’s star players. He particularly excels at long-range shots, especially in terms of his accuracy. Against Saudi Arabia, he also managed two shots on target. We reckon he’ll pull off the same feat against Cape Verde. This will earn you odds of 3.50 at Oranje Palace.

Prediction: Uruguay v Cape Verde

** Final score: Uruguay 2–0 Cape Verde **
We expect Uruguay to win, simply because the South Americans are a top footballing nation and they actually threw the game away against Saudi Arabia. Against Spain, we saw that Cape Verde had little to offer, and that’s why we think the islanders won’t score again.