Saudi Arabia goalie Mohammed Al-Owais (R) makes a save against Uruguay in a Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA
Mohammed Al-Owais soared from post to post, gloving jaw-dropping saves to help Saudi Arabia draw with Uruguay in a 2026 World Cup Group H opener Monday at Miami Stadium.
The Green Falcons goalie totaled nine saves, using every inch of his 6-foot-2 frame, to secure the 1-1 draw in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Defender Abdulelah Al-Amri scored on a follow-up in the 41st minute for the Green Falcons, who led until the 80th minute, when midfielder Maxi Araujo ended their upset hopes with an equalizer.
With the draw, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay jumped into a tie atop Group H, which also features World Cup favorite Spain and Cape Verde, who played to a scoreless draw earlier Monday.
SAUDI ARABIA FINDS ITS FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP!
Al Amri's first international goal! pic.twitter.com/KX467p4445— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2026
The Green Falcons nearly pulled off an upset triumph in their World Cup opener for the second-consecutive time, following their shock win over eventual champion Argentina in 2023.
Uruguay, the No. 17 team in the FIFA world rankings, committed several turnovers early on, but the No. 60 Green Falcons failed to capitalize as their offense appeared paralyzed.
The tide shifted after the first-half hydration break, with the Saudi’s maintaining possession deep in Uruguay territory. They ripped several shots at goalie Fernando Muslera before finally drawing first blood on Al-Amri’s follow-up strike.
Muslera saved an initial attempt during the sequence, but couldn’t grab the ball. Instead, Al-Amri ran into the area and used his right foot to poke a shot into the net.
Al-Owais proceeded to issue acrobatic denials, including one of Federico Vinas and Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Ugarte attempt, which came in the 60th minute, deflected off Al-Owais’ hand and hit the left post.
Al-Owais got his fingertips on this attempt! Excellent save! pic.twitter.com/42nQsv14qu— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 15, 2026
Thunderous chants for Uruguay continued around a packed Miami Stadium. The Sky Blues finally found their equalizer when Araujo beat Al-Owais with a half-volley follow-up at the near post in the 80th minute.
Al-Owais provided more pristine protection during stoppage time to help his Green Falcons avoid complete collapse in the Group H opener.
The Uruguayans outshot the Saudis 27-7 in the draw. They held a 10-3 advantage in shots on target and dominated possession 67% to 33%.
The Green Falcons, who haven’t advanced past the World Cup group stage since 1994, will battle No. 3 Spain in another Group H game at noon EDT Sunday in Atlanta. Uruguay will take on No. 64 Cape Verde in their second group stage game Sunday at Miami Stadium.
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