Uruguay vs Cape Verde: Top five players to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Federico Valverde & Vozinha

Marcelo Bielsa’s La Celeste eye a win over Cape Verde after debutants pulled a big upset against Spain.

Flanked tightly by the Snake Creek Canal, Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami, Florida, USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group H fixture of Matchweek 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where South American giants Uruguay take on Cape Verde in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Group H is evenly balanced, with all four teams sitting at one point each. Uruguay are coming after a frustrating draw with Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde pulled one of the biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw.

Uruguay are led by captain Federico Valverde, and their gaffer, Bielsa, has extensive experience managing top teams such as Leeds United and Espanyol, as well as the national teams of Argentina and Chile. Most of their players compete in top American and European leagues.

Cape Verde are one of the lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA World Cup. They will be pumped up after their last game against Spain and will eye yet another clean sheet. They were defensively resolute, but they must start creating chances up front to even stand a chance of scoring.

In this article, we take a look at the top five players to keep an eye on in the upcoming match between Uruguay and Cape Verde

5. Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)

In a season marred by managerial changes and relegation uncertainty, Bentancur had an impressive season with Tottenham Hotspur, and he also played a pivotal role in winning the UEFA Europa League last season.

At 28, this is his third World Cup appearance, and he excels in midfield transitions. His excellent recovery speed also allows him to press higher up the pitch. He is one of the most technically intelligent players in the Uruguayan squad who knows how to perform and win big games.

4. Steven Moreira (Cape Verde)

The Cape Verdean right back has plied his trade with European teams like Lorient, Rennes and Toulouse before making a move to Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew. He also went on to win the MLS Cup with the Black and Gold under the tutelage of Wilfried Nancy.

The French-born defender represented France at the youth level before switching his allegiance to Cape Verde. His overlapping runs from the right flank will be crucial as Cape Verde eyes their first-ever World Cup goal.

3. Mathias Olivera (Uruguay)

The Uruguayan centre back plays for Napoli in Serie A and had the most touches in the game against Saudi Arabia. Ronald Araujo’s return looks unlikely for the next game, and Olivera’s positional flexibility will be key for Marcelo Bielsa in the defence.

Olivera is a serial winner from a very early age, winning the CONMEBOL U20 Championship with Uruguay during his U20 days before winning the Serie A twice and the Supercoppa with Napoli.

Also Read: Preview: Uruguay vs Cape Verde prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

2. Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Josimar Dias, affectionately known as Vozinha, which means ‘grandmother’ in Portuguese, has become a household name in Africa. The world bowed to Vozinha’s greatness when he made seven saves, and his heroics saw Cape Verde pull off one of the biggest upsets against an elite Spain team.

He is one of the most capped and highly respected figures in African football. After that world-class start against Spain, he will be keen to clinch another clean sheet against South American giants Uruguay next.

1. Federico Valverde (Uruguay)

The undisputed leader of La Celeste, Valverde is a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid. Nicknamed El Halcon, formerly by legendary Uruguayan coach Néstor Gonçalves, who praised his eagle-like vision to read the game and view tactical spaces.

He is extremely dangerous in transition plays and possesses world-class ability to accelerate quickly from the centre of the park. The Uruguayan captain must step up and lead his side to glory against Cape Verde.

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