MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Kevin Pina #6 of Cabo Verde celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Cape Verde scores 1st-ever World Cup goal, holds Uruguay to draw

Gianluca Nesci
Alex Slitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Welcome to the history books, Kevin Pina.

The midfielder scored Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal in stunning style Sunday, unleashing a low free-kick from long range in his team's eventual 2-2 draw against Uruguay.

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Cape Verde is the first team on record (since 1966) to score its first World Cup goal via a direct free-kick, according to Opta.

After a pair of Uruguay goals to close out the first half, Helio Varela pounced on a defensive error to level the score at two apiece in the 61st minute. The two sides then exchanged chances in a pulsating conclusion to the contest, but neither could find a winning goal.

The Blue Sharks, one of the feel-good stories of the 2026 World Cup so far, began their tournament campaign with an instantly iconic goalless draw against European heavyweight Spain.

Sunday's stalemate with Uruguay puts Bubista's team in a great position to make more history by advancing beyond the group stage. Cape Verde, level with Uruguay on two points, closes out Group H play against Saudi Arabia.

A victory in that match will guarantee Cape Verde of a place in the round of 32 regardless of what happens in the concurrent June 26 fixture between current group leader Spain (4 points) and Uruguay.

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