Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Preview
Saudi Arabia showed improvements in their 2026 World Cup warm-up games and Uruguay are lacking form. The Green Falcons can maintain momentum and win or draw against the Sky Blue in Group H.
Green Falcons Unbeaten in 2
- Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in their last 2 games.
- Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in 2 of their last 3 matches against Uruguay.
- Uruguay are winless in 4 consecutive games.
H2H - Even Record
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay have one victory each and one draw in three previous meetings.
Saudi Arabia Seeking Momentum Under Donis
Herve Renard left his role as Saudi Arabia manager just two months before the World Cup. Georgios Donis was named as the new national team manager in April.
Renard led the Green Falcons to the 2026 World Cup finals following a 0-0 draw against Iraq in October.
Donis then took charge for three World Cup warm up matches, losing the first 2-1 against Ecuador. Saudi Arabia improved with a commanding 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
The Green Falcons completed their pre-tournament preparations with a 0-0 draw against Senegal. Donis’ side had the better chances with 1.13-0.41 XG and couldn’t score the winning goal.
Uruguay Are Lacking a Serious Threat
Uruguay comfortably qualified for the 2026 World Cup after winning and drawing seven of their 18 qualifiers.
Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit have struggled for form since qualification and are winless in their previous four matches.
The Sky Blue’s downturn started with a 0-0 draw against Mexico, a 5-1 loss to USA and a 1-1 stalemate with England.
The South American side were also held to a goalless draw against Algeria in their final warm up match. Uruguay had just one shot on target and missed two big chances.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Nawaf Al-Aqidi; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Hassan Kadesh, Nawaf Boushal; Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Al Dawsari; Abdulrahman Al Oboud, Musab Al Juwayr, Salem Al Dawsari; Firas Al Buraikan
Saudi Arabia have no injuries or suspensions.
Salem Al-Dawsari is the Green Falcons’ top scorer in World Cup matches with three goals across the last two tournaments. The attacker is likely to start against Uruguay.
Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Sergio Rochet; Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Jose María Gimenez, Mathias Olivera; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte; Facundo Pellestri, Nicolas de la Cruz, Maximiliano Araujo; Darwin Nunez
Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has a calf issue and is unlikely to feature in the group stage.
Ronald Araújo is also a doubt for the Saudi Arabia game due to a calf injury. The defender shared an update on his condition pre-match and said, “I couldn’t say if I’ll be ready for the first match.
“I can’t guarantee it. But I’m going to give it my all to play in this World Cup.”