Uruguay vs Cape Verde Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

June 21, 2026. Late one for UK viewers, with kick-off at 23:00, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for World Cup Group H. Big name meets brand-new story. This Uruguay vs Cape Verde prediction is about where both teams are right now, who they’ve brought with them, and how this game might unfold over 90 minutes. We’ll get into team news, likely lineups, and where the smart betting angles could sit.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Team News

Let’s start with Uruguay. Marcelo Bielsa is in charge. Club-wise, he’s managed Leeds, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille. Internationally, he’s done this before with Argentina and Chile. This Uruguay squad feels like a reset. No Cavani. No Suárez. That era is done.

The attacking responsibility now sits with Darwin Núñez, who’s in his mid-20s and currently playing in Saudi Arabia. He’s the clear focal point up top. Behind him, Federico Valverde is the heartbeat. Late 20s, vice-captain at Real Madrid, Champions League winner, and one of those players who just never stops running. He can play anywhere, but in this side he’s central to everything. And when Uruguay get a free-kick, Valverde is the kind of player they look to.

Manuel Ugarte, now at Manchester United, anchors midfield. He’s aggressive, tidy, and reads danger early. In defence, Ronald Araújo of Barcelona brings pace and power, while José María Giménez adds experience and leadership from Atlético Madrid. It’s a younger Uruguay, but not an inexperienced one.

Cape Verde’s story couldn’t be more different. This is their first-ever World Cup. A nation of just over half a million people, stepping onto the biggest stage. Bubista is the man who’s taken them here. Former captain, now coach, and recently named African Coach of the Year. He’s been in charge since 2020 and has built this team on structure, discipline, and belief.

Their captain and talisman is Ryan Mendes. He’s 35, will be 36 soon, and plays his club football in Turkey. This is likely his one shot at a World Cup, and he leads by example. In defence, Logan Costa stands out. He plays for Villarreal in La Liga and is the only player in the squad regularly featuring in Europe’s top five leagues. That alone tells you the scale of the challenge Cape Verde face.

Likely Lineups

Uruguay should line up in something fluid. On paper it might look like a back three, but with Bielsa it rarely stays that way. Expect Araújo and Giménez at the back, wing-backs pushing high, Valverde and Ugarte controlling midfield, and Núñez leading the line with pace around him.

Cape Verde are more predictable, and that’s not a bad thing. Likely a compact back four, two holding midfielders sitting deep, and Mendes drifting between the lines when they counter. They won’t dominate possession. They won’t pretend otherwise. They’ll wait, stay organised, and pick moments.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde

This is where it gets interesting. Uruguay will press continuously and that can overwhelm sides not used to it. But it also leaves space. Cape Verde’s entire qualifying campaign was built on being hard to break down and striking on the break.

The big question is patience. Can Uruguay avoid forcing it? Can they keep their shape when Cape Verde refuse to open up? If Valverde dictates tempo and Ugarte keeps things calm, Uruguay should control the game. If it turns chaotic, Cape Verde suddenly feel more comfortable.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Betting Tips

From a betting perspective, Uruguay will see most of the ball. Cape Verde will measure success in blocks, tackles, and time wasted.

Think about markets that reflect Uruguay’s control rather than pure attacking chaos. Cape Verde don’t concede easily when set up properly, and Uruguay don’t always rush things under Bielsa.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Match Prediction

It’s hard to ignore the gap in quality, experience, and tournament know-how. Uruguay have been here many times. Cape Verde haven’t. That usually shows, especially as legs tire and concentration dips.

I expect Uruguay to dominate territory and eventually break through. Cape Verde will compete, no doubt about that, but this feels like a game Uruguay manage rather than explode in.

Match Prediction: Uruguay to win. Bet with bet365.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Correct Score Tips

If you’re thinking about exact outcomes, low to moderate scoring makes sense. Uruguay scoring first changes everything. Cape Verde chasing the game isn’t where they’re strongest. A controlled win, without drama, feels realistic. That’s where most sensible correct score thoughts land.

Correct Score Prediction: Uruguay 2-0 Cape Verde. Bet with bet365.

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

This doesn’t scream goals. Under goals feels more natural than over. Uruguay won’t need to force it, and Cape Verde will happily slow things down whenever possible.

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

Uruguay vs Cape Verde Bet Builder Tip

For bet builder tips, I tend to focus on expected outcomes, rather than anything fancy. A calm Uruguay win paired with a lower-scoring match fits the flow of this fixture. Uruguay control possession. Cape Verde stay compact. The game unfolds without chaos.

Bet Builder Tip: Uruguay to win, under 2.5 goals, and Darwin Núñez to score anytime. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Uruguay are two-time World Cup winners, though it’s been decades since they lifted the trophy.
• Cape Verde are appearing at a World Cup for the first time.
• Marcelo Bielsa is managing at his third World Cup.
• Ryan Mendes is Cape Verde’s most capped player and all-time top scorer.

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

Who will win between Uruguay and Cape Verde?

Uruguay come in as the stronger, more experienced side and should control the game if they stay patient.

What time is the Uruguay vs Cape Verde match?

Kick-off is at 23:00 UK time on June 21, 2026.

Where is the Uruguay vs Cape Verde game being played?

The match takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

What competition is this match part of?