Saudi Arabia are hoping to replicate their winning start at the last edition when they take on Uruguay in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener early Tuesday morning.
This will be the second match in Group H after Spain and debutants Cape Verde kicked off proceedings in Atalanta on Monday.
The Saudi’s, who are ranked 61st in the world, stunned everyone by coming from behind to beat Argentina 2-1 in their last opener at the 2022 edition. They have not managed to advance past the Group stage since their debut in USA 1994.
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They take on two-time World Cup winners Uruguay, who will be playing without a local-based player for the first time in the nation’s history. Head coach Marcelo Bielsa maintains confidence that the South American side can navigate without their expertise.
Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950. They barely made it through to the finals after dropping points in nine of their last 12 CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Can Saudi replicate their start at the 2022 World Cup, or will the Uruguayan side make light work of them to get off to a winning start? Here is our predicted outcome.
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What time does Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay start?
The game kicks off at 1AM at the Hard Rock Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay team news
With only one player in the Saudi squad playing football abroad, they are inferior in terms of player quality heading into the match.
Firas Al-Buraikan was their top scorer in qualifying, but he has not found the back of the net in his last six matches. Despite this, he will start up front.
Salem Al Dawsari has been Saudi’s most dangerous outlet going forward and he will start on the left flank, with Al Hilal forward Sultan Mandash on the right.
Uruguay will rely heavily on the goal-scoring exploits of Darwin Nunez, who led with five goal involvements in qualifying. He will lead the attacking line alongside Real Oviedo forward Federico Vinas.
Ronald Araujo is absent for Bielsa’s side as he returned to Barcelona for treatment. Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur are fit and will start in the midfield.
Veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will start in goal. This will undoubtedly be the 39-year-olds final World Cup appearance.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay head-to-head and current form
The Saudis played out to a barren draw against Senegal in their final warmup friendly. They have only managed one win in their last five outings, a 3-0 demolition of Puerto Rico.
Uruguay were also held in a barren draw against Algeria last week, a third stalemate in their last five encounters. They too have only won once in that duration.
These nations have played against each other three times in their history, with either winning once and the other resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Current form:
Saudi Arabia – DWLLL
Uruguay – DDLDW
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Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay previous games
- Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia (June 20, 2018)
- Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay (October 10, 2014)
- Saudi Arabia 3-2 Uruguay (March 27, 2002)
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction
Bielsa’s charges have shown that upsets can happen at the World Cup, and they should not be overlooked ahead of this match.
Both teams come into the game on the back of rather unconvincing runs of form and the better team on the day can be guaranteed all three points.
Uruguay boast more experience and are slight favorites to come out on top here.
Prediction – Uruguay to win or draw (X2)
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