• Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay employ an aggressive 4-3-3 pressing system
• Cape Verde make historic first World Cup finals appearance in Miami
• Group H opener pits South American experience against African debutants
• Cape Verde’s diverse squad includes more players born in Rotterdam than Praia
• Uruguay’s football association targets quarter-final finish to break into world top ten

Uruguay and Cape Verde prepare to open their World Cup 2026 campaigns in Miami this evening. The South American heavyweights enter the pitch as favourites, whilst the Blue Sharks from West Africa step onto the global stage for the very first time.

Marcelo Bielsa has transformed the Uruguayan side since taking charge. The Argentine manager uses a 4-3-3 formation built around direct football. His players press opponents high up the pitch and chase every ball without pause. When Uruguay gain possession, they attack with relentless energy and speed.

Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, has set clear targets for the tournament. He insists the team must aim for a place among the world’s top ten nations. This ambition requires reaching at least the quarter-finals. Alonso recently defended the team’s preparation, stating that Bielsa remains fully focused on the competition. The coach has spent months on research and tactical planning for this moment.

Cape Verde enter uncharted territory as first-time qualifiers. The small island nation off Africa’s west coast played their initial World Cup qualifier in 2000. Twenty-six years later, they compete at the highest level. Their national slogan “morabeza” translates roughly to “no stress” in the local Creole tongue. This relaxed mentality will prove essential against difficult opponents.

Head coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, manages a truly global squad. His 26 players represent 25 different clubs across 14 countries. Six squad members were born in Rotterdam, compared to fewer born in the capital city of Praia. For a nation built upon emigration, navigating multiple languages and identities brings strength rather than confusion.

Both sides share Group H with Spain and Saudi Arabia. The match kicks off in Miami within the next few hours.

• Ana Candida Evora will travel to Miami to watch her son play after US officials waived visa fees
• The 59-year-old mother missed Cape Verde’s historic draw with Spain due to strict entry rules
• US House leader Hakeem Jeffries intervened to help the family reunite at the World Cup
• Vozinha kept a clean sheet against Spain and hopes to repeat the feat against Uruguay on Sunday

Vozinha wept on the pitch after Cape Verde earned their first ever World Cup point. The 40-year-old goalkeeper cried for his grandparents. He also cried for his mother. Ana Candida Evora could not travel to watch him face Spain. The US government had demanded a $15,000 bond. This rule blocked her from getting a visa in time.

Now the situation has changed. US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries announced good news on Wednesday. Officials have waived all visa fees for Evora. The 59-year-old house cleaner can now fly to Miami. She will watch Cape Verde face Uruguay on Sunday.

The bond rule affected many Cape Verde citizens. The Trump administration recently removed this requirement for World Cup fans. However, this came too late for Evora. She watched Monday’s match from her home in São Vicente. Her son produced a man-of-the-match display. Cape Verde held Spain to a goalless draw.

Jeffries thanked Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also praised FIFA and the Cape Verde government. “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” he said. Travel plans are now underway for the reunion.

Vozinha has guarded Cape Verde’s goal for 13 years. He turned professional at age 25. The veteran shot-stopper has become a social media sensation this tournament. Millions of fans now follow his journey.

“I worked my whole life for this moment,” Vozinha said. “This is for everyone.” He dedicated his performance against Spain to his team-mates. Now he hopes to shine again in front of his mother.

Evora spoke to reporters from her island home. She expressed pride in her son. “No ball would enter his goal,” she predicted. She hopes he continues to stop every shot against Uruguay.

• Spain manager opts for 4-3-3 formation with Manchester City’s Rodri protecting the defence
• Teenage star Lamine Yamal starts on the bench alongside Nico Williams and Dani Olmo
• Cape Verde set up in a 4-2-3-1 system with Ryan Mendes and Jamiro Monteiro in attack
• Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh appointed to officiate the qualifying clash
• Gavi joins Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal in Spain’s front three

Spain have released their starting eleven for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Cape Verde. Manager Luis de la Fuente has chosen an attacking 4-3-3 shape for the match.

Unai Simón keeps his place in goal. The back four features Marcos Llorente at right-back, Marc Cucurella on the left flank, and a central defensive partnership between Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí.

In the centre of the pitch, Rodri plays as the holding midfielder. He is supported by Pedri and Fabián Ruiz. The front three includes Gavi, Ferran Torres, and Mikel Oyarzabal.

Spain have dangerous options on the substitutes’ bench. Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, and RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo can enter the pitch later in the game.

Cape Verde will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Experienced goalkeeper Vozinha starts between the posts. The defence includes Steven Moreira, Steve Borges, Roberto Lopes, and Sidny Cabral.

Kenny Rocha Santos and Laros Duarte will sit in front of the back four. Ryan Mendes, Jamiro Monteiro, and Jovane Cabral will supply the ammunition for striker Lisandro Livramento.

The Blue Sharks have winger Garry Rodrigues among their substitutes. The match will be controlled by Jordanian official Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh.