As the World Cup approaches, the road to the tournament has been tumultuous for both Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Following the dismissal of Hervé Renard in late April, the Saudi team appointed Georgios Donis as their new head coach. Donis, a former Blackburn winger, took charge without having the opportunity to oversee a single match prior to selecting his squad.
Renard had an impactful tenure from 2019 to 2023, leading the team to a historic victory against Argentina during the last World Cup. However, his return to the national team in October 2024, after a stint with Roberto Mancini, was less successful. The Frenchman’s second term lacked the same spark, and without the tournament’s expansion, the Green Falcons would have struggled to qualify.
“That’s football … Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me,” Renard reflected as he departed. “And there’s only one coach who has led them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022. At least there will be that sense of pride.”
Uruguay, under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, has adopted a dynamic 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes aggressive play and high pressing. This strategy has transformed the team into a relentless attacking force, especially when they control possession of the ball.
In the three years since Bielsa took the helm, he has navigated a rollercoaster of results, including a fourth-place finish in the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers and a third-place showing at the 2024 Copa América. The latter half of 2023 saw Uruguay achieve remarkable victories over Argentina and Brazil, only to struggle significantly with just one win in twelve matches from July 2024 to June 2025. A heavy defeat to the U.S. in November raised doubts about Bielsa’s leadership, but morale improved following draws against England and Algeria in March.
Team Lineups
Saudi Arabia will likely field a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Al-Owais in goal, supported by Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Altambakti, and Al-Harbi in defense. The midfield includes Abu Al-Shamat, Al-Juwayr, Al-Khaibari, and Kanno, with Al-Buraikan and Al-Dawsari taking up forward positions.
The Uruguayan lineup is set to adopt a 4-2-3-1 setup with Muslera as goalkeeper. The defense will consist of Cáceres, Varela, Olivera, and Viña, while Ugarte and Bentancur will anchor the midfield. The attacking trio includes Araújo, Valverde, and Viñas, with Núñez leading the front line.
Match Coverage
Referee Maurizio Mariani from Italy will officiate the match. Fans can expect live, minute-by-minute coverage of the encounter between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at the Miami Stadium.
Saudi Arabia made a memorable entrance in the previous World Cup with a stunning win over Argentina, and they are eager to replicate that success against another South American powerhouse. Achieving a victory could significantly enhance their chances of advancing past the group stage, a feat they have accomplished only once before, during their World Cup debut in 1994.
Uruguay, with a rich World Cup history, has experienced both triumphs and controversies over the years. Despite missing out on three tournaments, their impressive run to the semi-finals in 2010 showcased their storied pedigree. Even though they are not favorites to claim a third title alongside their victories in 1930 and 1950, they are known for leaving a lasting impact at every World Cup they participate in.
Regardless of the outcome, fans can anticipate an exciting match when Uruguay takes the field under the charismatic leadership of Marcelo Bielsa.
Kick off 6pm EDT/11pm BST/8am AEST
Uruguay’s preparations for their opening World Cup game against Saudi Arabia were severely disrupted after their flight from Mexico was hit by multiple delays.
Marcelo Bielsa’s squad had been due to fly from Cancún to Fort Lauderdale early on Sunday afternoon, but paperwork issues relating to the plane led to their initial flight being cancelled.
A second plane was then commissioned to take Uruguay to South Florida, but that flight was also delayed and they eventually arrived for the pre-match press conference at Miami Stadium several hours late.
An unusually taciturn Bielsa played down the impact of the delay on his players, who undertook most of their preparations at a two-week training camp in Montevideo before spending the last week in Mexico. “The flight caused no problems,” Bielsa said.
The Uruguay captain, José María Giménez, was more frank in describing the delays as “We had some complications,” while others at the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) were less diplomatic.
“It was difficult, but we took advantage by resting at the hotel. And we just got here later.” the Atlético Madrid defender said. “It was difficult, but we took advantage by resting at the hotel. And we just got here later.”
You can read the full report below.
