Saudi Arabia takes lead against Uruguay with Al-Amri’s goal at 2026 World Cup

Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Al-Amri put his team ahead against Uruguay in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H opener at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 15, 2026. The defender’s goal gave the Green Falcons the early advantage in a match loaded with storyline potential.

Here’s the thing: Saudi Arabia shocking a South American powerhouse at the World Cup isn’t exactly unprecedented. Their 2022 upset of Argentina is still seared into the collective memory of anyone who had a betting slip that day.

The setup in Miami

Saudi Arabia lined up in a 4-4-2 formation for their first match of the tournament. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais anchored the back, with captain Salem Al-Dawsari orchestrating things further up the pitch.

Uruguay brought out Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez in the starting lineup, representing a strike partnership that most defenses would rather not deal with on a Sunday afternoon in South Florida.

Al-Amri, who plays his club football at Al Nassr, was the unlikely hero of the opening act.

The last time these two nations met on the World Cup stage was back in 2018, when Uruguay edged Saudi Arabia 1-0.

Saudi Arabia’s road to North America

Their qualification campaign came down to a dramatic playoff against Iraq in October 2025, a draw that was just enough to punch their ticket to North America.

The 2026 World Cup is the first edition of FIFA’s expanded tournament format, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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