MIAMI, United States — Saudi Arabia earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their opening Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday night, thanks largely to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
The Saudis appeared on course for a famous victory after defender Abdulelah Al-Amri gave them the lead in the 41st minute. Al-Amri reacted quickest inside the penalty area after Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera could only parry a header from Mohamed Kanno, poking the loose ball into the net to send Saudi supporters into celebration.
Uruguay dominated large spells of the contest but repeatedly found Al-Owais in inspired form. The goalkeeper produced a series of crucial saves throughout the match, denying Federico Viñas on multiple occasions before tipping a powerful effort from Manuel Ugarte onto the post just after the hour mark.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side increased the pressure after the break and eventually found an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Al-Owais managed to keep out a header from Viñas, but the rebound fell kindly for Maxi Araújo, who fired home from close range to make it 1-1.
Uruguay continued to push for a winner in the closing stages, with Federico Valverde going close in stoppage time, but Al-Owais once again came to Saudi Arabia’s rescue to ensure the points were shared.
Okay News reports that the result leaves both teams with one point after their opening Group H fixture. Saudi Arabia will be encouraged by a resilient display that puts them in contention to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1994, while Uruguay will look to improve after a disappointing first-half performance.
Although Uruguay finished strongly and were ultimately rewarded with a late equaliser, Saudi Arabia emerged with considerable credit after frustrating the South Americans for long periods and producing one of the most disciplined defensive displays of the tournament so far.
