Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte started for Uruguay as Marcelo Bielsa’s side drew 2-2 with Cape Verde.
The Group H meeting in Miami Gardens left Uruguay still waiting for their first win of the 2026 World Cup.
Uruguay trailed after Kevin Pina gave Cape Verde a shock lead with the nation’s first World Cup goal.
Bielsa’s side turned the game around before half-time. Maxi Araujo equalised, then Agustin Canobbio finished after Ugarte crossed into the area and Araujo headed the ball back across goal.
Ugarte’s Uruguay Now Face A Tense Spain Decider
Cape Verde refused to fade after the break.
Helio Varela equalised in the 61st minute after a Uruguay defensive error, giving the World Cup debutants another major result.
ESPN’s match data had Uruguay with 65.2 per cent possession and 17 shots, but Cape Verde still put more efforts on target.
That tells part of the story.
Uruguay controlled more of the ball, but they did not control the match clearly enough. Cape Verde carried threat, belief and enough final-third sharpness to punish them.
ReadManUtd has already covered how Manuel Ugarte’s Manchester United future remains under scrutiny this summer. This World Cup draw keeps him in focus at a delicate point.
Ugarte remains a high-profile Old Trafford midfielder, but Uruguay’s lack of control in a game they expected to win will sharpen scrutiny before the Spain fixture.
The final group match now carries real pressure.
For United, the Spain decider offers another chance to judge Ugarte’s rhythm, discipline and influence in a demanding midfield test.
