2026 FIFA World Cup: Group H – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

Saudi Arabia face Uruguay in their first Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Saudi Arabia will look to get out of the group stage for the first time since 1994, coincidentally staged in the US on that occasion, whilst two-time champions – Uruguay look to avoid another group stage exit in consecutive tournaments.

 

Team News

Goalkeeper, Nawaf Al-Aqidi is Saudi Arabia’s only injury concern because of a muscle injury.

Uruguay are expected to be without Ronald Araujo, Giorgian de Arrascaeta (both calf) and Jose Maria Gimenez (knock).

 

When is Kick-Off?

Saudi Arabia face Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA, on Monday 15 June at 6pm EDT (11pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Saudi Arabia lost their only previous World Cup meeting against Uruguay by 1-0 result in the group stage of 2018 edition.
• Uruguay are playing as the designated ‘away’ team against Saudi Arabia at a World Cup for the first time – having been the designated ‘home team’ in 2018.
• Saudi Arabia kept clean sheets in their last two matches (W1, D1), as they won 3-0 against Puerto Rico then drew 0-0 against Senegal.
• Two of Uruguay’s last four matches ended in 0-0 draws (D3, L1).

 

Prediction

Having stunned Argentina in their 2022 opener before losing their next two games to crash out, Saudi Arabia will be hopeful of finishing at least third if they can continue their recent solid defensive play and be clinical in two tough opening groups.

Uruguay meanwhile suffered a narrow exit at that same tournament in their group on virtue of less goals scored than South Korea, so I do expect them to try and push hard to deliver goals as they ideally could do with a win in their first two games before their final group match against Spain.

Saudi Arabia though will be aware of Uruguay’s preference to create quick turnover attacks so I expect them to try and sit deep and absorb their attacking press, as the longer this stays goalless then the more the pressure rises for Uruguay but I think that they will have too much for the Saudis.

Prediction: Saudi Arabian 1-2 Uruguay

Result: Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay