Uruguay vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026: Kick-off time, team news and how to watch in the USA

Uruguay meet Cape Verde in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, June 21 (kick-off 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT). The match is a pivotal Group H fixture: Uruguay need a win after a disappointing opening game, while Cape Verde — making a memorable tournament debut — can move closer to the last 32 with another strong performance.

Why it matters

This is a high-stakes Group H encounter. Uruguay arrive under pressure after failing to convert dominance into victory in their opener, and Marcelo Bielsa’s side must collect three points to keep their ambitions alive. Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations to ever qualify, stunned Spain and will be confident that another disciplined defensive display can deliver history for the Blue Sharks.

Team news: Uruguay injury problems and Cape Verde continuity

Uruguay face a selection crisis at the back. World Soccer Talk reports that key centre-back Ronald Araújo is out with a muscle tear, while captain José María Giménez and creative midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta are also sidelined. Those absences force Bielsa to reshuffle his defensive options and lean on squad depth for stability. Federico Valverde is expected to carry much of the creative and transitional burden in midfield.

By contrast, Cape Verde are reported to have no new injury concerns and are likely to stick with the same starting eleven that earned a historic 0-0 draw with Spain. Manager Pedro Leitão Brito is expected to replicate the compact 4-5-1 that frustrated their opening opponents, trusting goalkeeper Vozinha and the backline that excelled in shot-stopping and discipline.

Projected lineups and tactical outlook

World Soccer Talk lists Uruguay’s likely XI in a 4-4-2: Muslera; Viña, Cáceres, Olivera, Varela; Araújo (note: injured), Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde; Núñez, Viñas. Bielsa’s approach is expected to remain high-intensity pressing with quick vertical transitions, but missing starters in defence could leave Uruguay vulnerable to counters.

Cape Verde’s projected 4-5-1 — Vozinha; Lopes Cabral, Diney, Pico, Moreira; Pina, Jovane Cabral, Monteiro, Duarte, Mendes; Livramento — emphasizes a deep, organized defensive block and quick breaks. The Blue Sharks’ plan that shut out Spain relied on compact defending, few fouls, and opportunistic counter-attacks through forward Dailon Livramento.

Tactical battle: attack versus defence

The match sets up as a classic contest between Uruguay’s attacking pressure and Cape Verde’s defensive resilience. World Soccer Talk highlights contrasting statistics from the opening round: Uruguay produced heavy attacking numbers in their opener (27 shots, many in a dominant second half), while Cape Verde absorbed sustained pressure from Spain — reportedly conceding 27 shots but keeping a clean sheet and committing only one foul. How Uruguay convert possession and chances into goals will be the main question; Cape Verde will aim to replicate the discipline that earned their historic point.

How to watch in the USA

For viewers in the United States, World Soccer Talk lists multiple legal broadcast and streaming options: Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV. The guide notes that Fubo offers a dedicated tournament subscription and is available on a wide range of devices, and also highlights that many of the platforms carry World Cup coverage across devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and mobile apps.

Kick-off is listed as 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT on Sunday, June 21, 2026. If you are outside the USA, the source suggests using a VPN for access to your usual streaming service, though that is a general note rather than official broadcast advice.

Key points

• Kick-off: Sunday, June 21 — 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT (World Cup Group H).
• US broadcast and streaming options listed: Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV.
• Uruguay have injury concerns: Ronald Araújo, José María Giménez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta are reported sidelined.
• Cape Verde have no new injury concerns and are expected to keep the same starting lineup that drew 0-0 with Spain.
• Tactical contrast: Uruguay’s high-intensity press and attacking volume vs Cape Verde’s compact, defensive block and counter-attacks.

What it means and what to watch for

A win for Uruguay would right the ship and keep their knockout hopes on track; failure to win would leave them in a precarious position in a short group-stage format. For Cape Verde, another point or a shock victory would be transformational and could see them challengingly placed to reach the Round of 32. Key moments to monitor are Uruguay’s ability to create clear-cut chances and the fitness/replacement choices Bielsa makes in defence, plus whether Cape Verde can remain compact and clinical on the break.

Expect a tense, tactical contest where margins will be small: a stray defensive error, a moment of finishing quality or a set-piece could decide a match with large consequences for both teams’ World Cup campaigns.