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Uruguay vs Cape Verde Prediction, Odds, Lineups: Expert Picks for 2026 World Cup

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Prediction, Odds, Lineups: Expert Picks for 2026 World Cup article feature image
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Reuters/Sam Navarro. Pictured: Federico Valverde.

Cape Verde (0-0-1) and Uruguay (0-0-1) will face off in the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, June, 21, at 6 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match will broadcast on FS1 and Telemundo.

Uruguay is favored at -230 on the moneyline and Cape Verde is a +850 underdog. The over/under is 2.5 (+125o / -160u).

Let's get into my Uruguay vs Cape Verde predictions for tonight's World Cup match — in addition to the latest odds, betting trends, player props, weather forecast and more.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Prediction, Picks

Picks: Under 2.5 /Uruguay to Win to Nil

My Cape Verde vs Uruguay best bet is for the match to feature under 2.5 total goals.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Odds, Betting Line, Over/Under

Uruguay Logo
Sunday, June 21
6 p.m. ET
FOX
Cape Verde Logo
Uruguay Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-1.5
+134
2.5
+122o / -150u
-250
Cape Verde Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+1.5
+172
2.5
+122o / -150u
+800
Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute SOCCER odds here.
FanDuel Logo

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Preview

With both teams securing a single point from their opening matches, Group H is wide open. A victory here would be a massive step toward the knockout stages for either nation.

The match presents a classic clash of styles: Marcelo Bielsa’s aggressive, high-pressing Uruguayan side will look to overwhelm a disciplined Cape Verde team that excels at absorbing pressure and playing on the counter-attack.

Uruguay’s performance against Saudi Arabia was a tale of two halves. A sluggish start was followed by a dominant second-half display where they created numerous chances but failed to convert.

Striker Darwin Núñez will need to be far more clinical to break down the resolute defense of the Blue Sharks, anchored by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who was heroic in the opener against Spain with seven saves.

This will be the first-ever official meeting between Cape Verde and Uruguay.

Historically, Uruguay has a strong record against African opposition at the tournament, remaining undefeated in five matches (three wins, two draws). Their most recent encounter was a 2-0 victory over Ghana in the 2022 competition.

For Cape Verde, this is their first match against a South American opponent, adding another layer of historical significance to an already crucial fixture.

Check out the best soccer odds before making your Cape Verde vs Uruguay picks.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde World Cup Pick

  • Under 2.5 Goals (-150)
  • Uruguay to Win to Nil (+100)

The case for under 2.5 goals is compelling.

Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain was a masterclass in defensive discipline. Despite facing 27 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.28, they secured a historic clean sheet.

Their strategy involved a deep, organized block that frustrated one of Europe’s top attacking sides. It's highly probable they will employ the same tactics against Uruguay.

Uruguay, for their part, showed signs of offensive inefficiency in their 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. While they fired off an impressive 27 shots, with 22 of those coming in a dominant second half, they only managed to score a single goal.

Facing a Cape Verde defense that has already proven its resilience against elite competition, Uruguay’s attack will be sternly tested. This combination of a stout defense and a misfiring offense strongly points toward a low-scoring contest.

Building on that defensive analysis, the Uruguay to Win to Nil pick also offers value.

While Cape Verde’s defensive strength is clear, their attacking threat is minimal. Against Spain, they generated just 0.3 xG from only six shots throughout the entire match.

Uruguay is expected to control possession, much like Spain did, which will limit Cape Verde's opportunities to get forward.

After a lackluster first half against Saudi Arabia, Marcelo Bielsa’s side tightened up significantly, allowing just two shots (none on target) in the second half.

Desperate for a victory to get their campaign on track, Uruguay will be focused on securing a clean sheet, making a win without conceding a likely outcome.

Uruguay vs Cape Player Prop Pick

  • Federico Valverde to score or assist (2.38; bet365)

Federico Valverde is a midfield engine for Marcelo Bielsa’s team, and almost every attacking action goes through his feet.

Real Madrid’s midfielder is the third-best scorer of this generation with nine goals for Uruguay; only Darwin Nunez and Giorgian de Arrascaeta have more (13 apiece).

Valverde scored eight goals and contributed 12 assists for Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League this season, while he also scored a vital goal in a 1-1 draw with Brazil in a qualifying match.

He's undoubtedly a true leader and the best player in this team, and given that Uruguay need three points before they meet Spain in the final match of the group, expect Valverde to step up and contribute against Cape Verde.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Probable Lineups

Cape Verde Projected Lineup (4-3-3)

  • Goalkeeper: Vozinha
  • Defenders: Moreira, Borges, Lopes, S Cabral
  • Midfielders: Duarte, Lenini, Monteiro
  • Forwards: Mendes, Livramento, J Cabral

Uruguay Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)

  • Goalkeeper: Muslera
  • Defenders: Varela, Giménez, Cáceres, Olivera
  • Midfielders: Canobbio, Ugarte; Bentancur, Araujo, Valverde
  • Forward: Viña

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Betting Trends to Know


Uruguay vs Cape Verde TV Channel, Time, Streaming

Location:Hard Rock Stadium
Date:Sunday, June 21
Time:6 p.m. ET
TV / Streaming Options:FS1; Telemundo

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Sunday Weather Forecast

It will be around 89 degrees at Miami Gardens when Uruguay vs Cape Verde begins. There is a potential for afternoon thunderstorms, per Accuweather.

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