Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay — World Cup 2026 Group H Match Report

Salem Al-Dawsari — the man who scored one of the great World Cup goals when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina at Qatar 2022 — produced another decisive moment on the biggest stage, driving home an equaliser in the 77th minute at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco to rescue Saudi Arabia a 1–1 draw against Uruguay in Group H.

Darwin Núñez had put La Celeste ahead midway through the second half in what looked like it might be a winning goal. Al-Dawsari — and Saudi Arabia's collective refusal to accept defeat — had other ideas.

Uruguay arrived in San Francisco as one of South America's most experienced sides. Núñez, the Liverpool striker who has developed into one of the most explosive forwards in world football, entered the match as the focal point of their attack alongside Federico Valverde, whose box-to-box running from midfield gives Uruguay the engine that makes them so difficult to play against. La Celeste had been in excellent form in their pre-tournament preparation and showed that quality in the first half: calm, organised, technically superior in many phases of play.

Saudi Arabia played with discipline and tactical intelligence, pressing high in the opening 20 minutes before settling into a more compact defensive structure. Their gameplan was clear: absorb Uruguay's possession, look for Al-Dawsari and Saleh Al-Shehri on the counter. It was effective in the first half, but the flow of the game gradually began to shift in Uruguay's favour.

Núñez's goal came in the 62nd minute. Valverde played a quick one-two with Facundo Pellistri on the right before sliding a precise through ball into the area for Núñez, who finished with clinical confidence past Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. Uruguay led.

The Saudi response was determined. Attacking substitutions and a clear intent to equalise. The pressure built. In the 77th minute, Al-Dawsari drove into the penalty area from the left and struck a low shot across goal that found the inside of the far post. The Saudi fans celebrated as if the tournament had been won.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the final 13 minutes. Both held on. One point each, and with Spain drawing against Cape Verde Islands on the same evening, Group H is now beautifully, unpredictably wide open.

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