Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Preview - Double chance on Saudi Arabia offers value

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Saudi Arabia unbeaten in last 2 games; Uruguay winless in 4.
Both teams have 1 win, 1 draw in past head-to-heads.
Tip: Best value on Saudi Arabia double chance (win/draw).

Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in their last 2 games (Getty)

This is a very tough game to call given that Saudi Arabia carry decent form into the tournament while Uruguay have struggled. The double chance on Saudi Arabia offers the best value.

Head to Head
Saudi Arabia Form
Uruguay Form
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Predicted Starting Lineups & News

Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in their last 2 games.
Saudi Arabia are unbeaten in 2 of their last 3 matches against Uruguay.
Uruguay are winless in 4 consecutive games.

Head to Head

In three matches, both teams have won once each with one draw.

Saudi Arabia Form

Herve Renard left his role as Saudi Arabia manager just two months before the World Cup. Georgios Donis was named as the new national team manager in April.

Renard led the Green Falcons to the 2026 World Cup finals following a 0-0 draw against Iraq in October.

Donis then took charge for three World Cup warm up matches, losing the first 2-1 against Ecuador. Saudi Arabia improved with a commanding 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico.

The Green Falcons completed their pre-tournament preparations with a 0-0 draw against Senegal. Donis’ side had the better chances with 1.13-0.41 XG and couldn’t score the winning goal.

Uruguay Form

Uruguay comfortably qualified for the 2026 World Cup after winning and drawing seven of their 18 qualifiers.

Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit have struggled for form since qualification and are winless in their previous four matches.

The Sky Blue’s downturn started with a 0-0 draw against Mexico, a 5-1 loss to USA and a 1-1 stalemate with England.

The South American side were also held to a goalless draw against Algeria in their final warm up match. Uruguay had just one shot on target and missed two big chances.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Predicted Starting Lineups & News

Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Nawaf Al-Aqidi; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Hassan Kadesh, Nawaf Boushal; Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Al Dawsari; Abdulrahman Al Oboud, Musab Al Juwayr, Salem Al Dawsari; Firas Al Buraikan

Saudi Arabia have no injuries or suspensions.

Salem Al-Dawsari is the Green Falcons’ top scorer in World Cup matches with three goals across the last two tournaments. The attacker is likely to start against Uruguay.

Uruguay (4-2-3-1): Sergio Rochet; Guillermo Varela, Sebastian Caceres, Jose María Gimenez, Mathias Olivera; Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte; Facundo Pellestri, Nicolas de la Cruz, Maximiliano Araujo; Darwin Nunez

Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has a calf issue and is unlikely to feature in the group stage.

Ronald Araújo is also a doubt for the Saudi Arabia game due to a calf injury. The defender shared an update on his condition pre-match and said, “I couldn’t say if I’ll be ready for the first match.

“I can’t guarantee it. But I’m going to give it my all to play in this World Cup.”

Verdict

Saudi Arabia v Uruguay

Saudi Arabia showed their ability to compete with the top teams following a solid draw with Senegal. The Green Falcons can carry confidence into their World Cup opener against Uruguay and secure a win or draw in Group H.