Will Uruguay avoid Argentina's fate against Saudi Arabia?

The official FIFA website highlighted the highly anticipated match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup. At Miami Stadium, the Green Falcons will face Uruguay at 1:00 AM Mecca time on Tuesday (6:00 PM local time in Miami on Monday) in the eighth round of group matches. The other two teams in the group are Spain and Cape Verde, who will play at 7:00 PM Mecca time on Monday. FIFA's report noted that Uruguay, under the guidance of coach Marcelo Bielsa, will be looking to avoid the fate of their neighbors Argentina, who lost their opening match against Saudi Arabia in the previous edition of the tournament, Qatar 2022. The report added: "The Saudi national team produced one of the biggest upsets of the Qatar 2022 World Cup when they came from behind to secure a historic 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina in their opening match." The report concluded by stating that the Green Falcons will be aiming to replicate that feat against another South American powerhouse, Uruguay. This encounter comes almost eight years after the only other World Cup meeting between the two teams, which took place in Russia in 2018. Uruguay entered that match buoyed by a late 1-0 victory over Egypt, while Saudi Arabia sought redemption after a 5-0 defeat to the host nation. The match was a close affair, decided by a single goal midway through the first half when Luis Suárez volleyed home a corner kick with his left foot, securing La Celeste's place in the Round of 16.