**Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte started for Uruguay as Marcelo Bielsa’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Cape Verde in Group H of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Gardens on Sunday.** Ugarte played 70 minutes before being replaced by Nicolas de la Cruz, with Uruguay left on two points from two matches and still waiting for a first win of the tournament.
The 25-year-old had a mixed evening. He was booked in the first half but also played a part in Uruguay’s second goal, crossing into the area before Maxi Araujo headed back across for Agustin Canobbio to finish in first-half stoppage time.
Ugarte’s Uruguay now face a tense Spain decider
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Cape Verde had already taken a shock lead through Kevin Pina before Uruguay turned the game around either side of half-time. But Helio Varela’s 61st-minute equaliser earned the World Cup debutants another major result, leaving Uruguay vulnerable before their final group match.
According to [ESPN’s match report and game data](https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/760450), Uruguay had 65.2 per cent possession and 17 shot attempts, but Cape Verde still put more efforts on target.
For United, the performance keeps Ugarte in focus at a delicate point in his summer. He remains a high-profile Old Trafford midfielder, but Uruguay’s lack of control in a game they were expected to win will only sharpen scrutiny before the Spain fixture.