Uruguay vs Cape Verde — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Last five walks into the room.

Who's hotter going in? Latest competitive results, newest first.

Three duels that decide it.

// Central midfield · The engine room

M. Ugarte

#5 · Manchester United

VS

Jamiro Monteiro

#10 · PEC Zwolle

Ugarte's press and positioning will be crucial in stifling Cape Verde's creative hub. Monteiro has craft but lacks the athleticism to consistently escape a player of Ugarte's intensity and reading of the game.

// Left-back vs centre-forward · The aerial duel

M. Olivera

#16 · Napoli

VS

D. Livramento

#9 · Hellas Verona

Livramento's physicality and height pose a direct threat on set pieces and transitions. Olivera's defensive intelligence and Serie A pedigree should see him weather the storm, but Cape Verde will target this channel early and often.

// Striker vs Defending anchor · The intensity test

D. Núñez

#9 · Liverpool

VS

Pico

#4 · Shamrock Rovers

Núñez's pressing and work rate will dominate Pico, who lacks the mobility required to keep pace with a Liverpool-standard number nine. This is where Uruguay's class advantage becomes most visible.

Uruguay's class meets Cape Verde's chaos

Uruguay arrive as a well-oiled machine built on the bedrock of Tabárez's trademark defensive organisation and Liverpool-grade attacking weapons. Cape Verde, by contrast, will lean on collective pressure and set-piece danger—a ship that trades technical polish for grit.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

Uruguay · Head coach

Ó. Tabárez

Cape Verde · Head coach

Rui Águas

🇵🇹

Where to watch.