Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte started for Uruguay as Marcelo Bielsa’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Cape Verde in Group H of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Gardens on Sunday. Ugarte played 70 minutes before being replaced by Nicolas de la Cruz, with Uruguay left on two points from two matches and still waiting for a first win of the tournament.
The 25-year-old had a mixed evening. He was booked in the first half but also played a part in Uruguay’s second goal, crossing into the area before Maxi Araujo headed back across for Agustin Canobbio to finish in first-half stoppage time.
Ugarte’s Uruguay now face a tense Spain decider
Cape Verde had already taken a shock lead through Kevin Pina before Uruguay turned the game around either side of half-time. But Helio Varela’s 61st-minute equaliser earned the World Cup debutants another major result, leaving Uruguay vulnerable before their final group match.
According to ESPN’s match report and game data, Uruguay had 65.2 per cent possession and 17 shot attempts, but Cape Verde still put more efforts on target.
For United, the performance keeps Ugarte in focus at a delicate point in his summer. He remains a high-profile Old Trafford midfielder, but Uruguay’s lack of control in a game they were expected to win will only sharpen scrutiny before the Spain fixture.
