Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay on 15 June 2026, 23:00 UK time, at Hard Rock Stadium. Proper opening-night energy for World Cup Group H, and this Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction gets into the team news, who’s likely to start, how the match-up looks, and the betting angles that make sense based on the stats and expected flow of the game.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Team News

Let’s start with Uruguay. They’re in a bit of a new era, with the old superstar striker names no longer leading the line. That puts a lot more spotlight on Darwin Núñez, who’s been playing his club football in Saudi Arabia lately, and the midfield led by Federico Valverde. Valverde’s the kind of all-action player you build a tournament plan around. Week to week he does it in Spain’s top flight with Real Madrid, and he can basically play anywhere without looking uncomfortable.

Then you’ve got Manuel Ugarte in the mix, a modern ball-winner who does his job in the Premier League with Manchester United. Add in Rodrigo Bentancur from Tottenham and Uruguay suddenly look stacked.

At the back, the headline is still Ronald Araújo of Barcelona and José María Giménez of Atlético Madrid. Bielsa also has options like Mathías Olivera at Napoli in Serie A, plus a mix of South American-based defenders. If Uruguay are awarded a penalty, it’s usually Darwin Núñez who takes responsibility for his striker’s instinct in big moments.

And the big character in the room is the manager. Marcelo Bielsa is a veteran coach and he’s been at World Cups before. He’s famous for high pressing, quick passing, and making matches feel like they’re being played at double speed.

Saudi Arabia are led by Hervé Renard, a proper international tournament specialist who’s managed multiple national teams and is known for having sides that stay organised and mentally switched on. He’s also the guy who masterminded that famous Saudi win over Argentina at the last World Cup, so he’s not short on belief.

Saudi’s standout name is Salem Al-Dawsari, captain for both country and Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. He’s got that knack for big moments, and he only needs one chance. When Saudi Arabia win a penalty, the ball almost always ends up with Al-Dawsari.

In goal, Nawaf Al-Aqidi (Al-Nassr) is a key figure, and Saudi have defensive options like Hassan Al-Tambakti (Al-Hilal) and Abdulelah Al-Amri (Al-Nassr). Up top, Firas Al-Buraikan (Al-Ahli) is the kind of forward who’ll make life awkward if Uruguay’s line gets too brave.

Likely Lineups

These are the sort of XIs that make sense based on the current squads and roles.

Saudi Arabia (likely):
Al-Aqidi; Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Al-Ahmed, Majrashi; Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Mohamed Kanno; Salem Al-Dawsari, Ayman Yahya, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud; Firas Al-Buraikan

Uruguay (likely):
Mele; Araújo, Giménez, Olivera; Varela, Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur; De Arrascaeta; Núñez, Facundo Torres

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

This game feels like a clash of rhythms. Uruguay will want it loud and fast. Win it back quickly, and keep the ball moving forward. Bielsa teams don’t really do patient.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, will probably lean into structure first. Keep distances tight, stop Valverde and Ugarte from running the midfield, and try to spring transitions into the wide areas.

The big question is how Saudi handle Uruguay’s intensity early on. If they ride the first wave, settle into the match, and frustrate Uruguay, you can see it turning into one of those tense World Cup openers where the favourite starts glancing at the clock.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Betting Tips

You don’t need to overcomplicate it.

• Uruguay to win: They’ve got more proven quality across the spine of the team, and that usually tells in group games.

• Uruguay to score first: If Uruguay start like a Bielsa side usually starts, Saudi might spend the opening spell defending deep.

• Saudi Arabia to keep it competitive: Not a bet, just a mindset. Saudi can be stubborn, and Renard loves a game plan.

If you want a wider menu of angles for the day, have a look at Todays football tips.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Match Prediction

I’m leaning Uruguay, but not in a comfortable way. More like a game where Uruguay do the hard work, Saudi hang around, and one moment of quality makes the difference. Uruguay’s midfield should edge the control, and that usually means more territory, more pressure, and more chances that feel inevitable, even if the scoreboard stays tight for a while.

Match Prediction: Uruguay to win. Bet with bet365.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Correct Score Tips

If you like a simple, grounded call, 1-0 Uruguay makes a lot of sense. If you think Saudi’s threat on the break shows up at least once, 2-1 Uruguay is the other natural outcome.

Correct Score Prediction: Saudi Arabia 0-1 Uruguay. Bet with bet365.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

This has under goals written all over it. Group openers can be cagey, and Saudi will likely prioritise staying in the game over trading punches. Uruguay can win without turning it into a goal-fest, especially if they go ahead.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Bet Builder Tip

A tidy builder idea:

• Uruguay to win

• Under 2.5 goals

• Both teams to score – no

It matches the shape of the game we’re expecting without needing anything overly specific.

Bet Builder Tip: Uruguay to win, under 2.5 goals, and both teams to score – no. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Uruguay are two-time World Cup winners (1930 and 1950).

• Saudi Arabia’s best World Cup run is the Round of 16 (1994).

• Uruguay’s coach Marcelo Bielsa is known for intense pressing and bold setups.

• Saudi Arabia are managed by Hervé Renard, a tournament coach who’s delivered big results on the international stage.

• This is a Group H opener at Hard Rock Stadium on 15 June 2026.

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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

Who will win between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay?

Uruguay look the safer pick because they’ve got more top-level quality through midfield and defence, but Saudi can make it awkward if they keep shape and stay patient.

What time is the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay match?

Kick-off is 23:00 UK time on 15 June 2026.

Where is the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay game being played?

It’s at Hard Rock Stadium.

What is the likely score in Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay?