View from Uruguay: Saudi’s first opponents at the World Cup looking to avoid Argentina’s fate from 4 years ago

LONDON: It is not just Saudi Arabia that have had an uncertain preparation period for the 2026 World Cup.

Opening game opponents Uruguay have also not been at their best, and still remember how their South American neighbors Argentina fared in the first opening match against the Green Falcons in 2022.

On that unforgettable day in Qatar, Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat the South Americans 2-1 and would love to repeat that result on Monday in Miami, with Spain and Cape Verde to follow in Group H.

Uruguay are determined not to let that happen in Miami.

“Of course (people are concerned about a repeat), everyone across the globe still talks about that game four years on,” Nathan Joyes of The Copa Club, and an expert on South American football, told Arab News.

“Lightning can strike twice when it comes to football, and so Uruguay must not slip at the first hurdle. Uruguay will need their key players, such as Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur, to lead by example.”

In 2023, the two-time world champions appointed Marcelo Bielsa as head coach but the influential Argentine boss has come under criticism for the team’s performances which included a 5-1 loss to the US in November and a 0-0 draw with Algeria in March.

“Uruguay won’t want to take anything for granted. Having only played two matches in 2026, Bielsa still hasn’t picked up a win this year and he’ll know better than anyone nothing is guaranteed in football.”

“Outside of Uruguay, not many journalists or pundits have much hope of La Celeste achieving anything special this summer, but those closer to the camp might just disagree,” Joyes added.

After the game with Saudi Arabia, the South Americans will go on to face Cape Verde and then Spain.

“Uruguay will