World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Tips, Prediction & Odds

* Prices from Betway, accurate when this was written.

Saudi Arabia start their 2026 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, kicking off at 00:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay come in as clear favourites, with a strong midfield and the firepower of Darwin Nunez, while Saudi Arabia will try to frustrate them and hit on the break. It is a tough Group H opener for the Green Falcons against one of the best organised teams at the tournament. You can find every World Cup betting tips we have in our dedicated section.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will defend deep, keep their shape and try to score mostly on the counter, and in my view that disciplined plan is the only one that can work against a team as good as Uruguay. Skipper Salem Al Dawsari is still their creative spark and main outlet, while striker Feras Al Brikan gives them a physical presence up front. Their recent form is patchy, with an easy win over Puerto Rico and a draw in their last two matches, but three defeats in a row before that. I think the Green Falcons will defend with lots of bodies and try to keep the score down.

Expected Lineup: Al Aqidi; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Lajami, Boushal; Kanno, Al-Khaibari; S. Al-Dawsari, Al Juwayr, N. Al-Dawsari; Al Brikan.

Uruguay

Uruguay are the classier side here, and I think Bielsa's fast, high pressing game should swamp Saudi Arabia for long stretches. Federico Valverde drives the team from midfield with Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur, while Darwin Nunez leads the attack and has the movement to pull a deep defence apart. Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez give La Celeste real command at the back, and the squad has no big names missing. I think Uruguay will run the game and wear down the Saudi defence after the break.

Expected Lineup: Muslera; Varela, Caceres, Araujo, Olivera; Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur; Canobbio, Nunez, Araujo.

Uruguay have the control in midfield and the sharpness up front to grind Saudi Arabia down, although Bielsa's team might need to be patient against a crowded defence. I think La Celeste will find the opening goal and then manage the game from there. My forecast: Saudi Arabia 0 Uruguay 1.

BTTS: No (1.65)

I am going with BTTS: No because I believe Saudi Arabia will pack men behind the ball and seldom test Uruguay at the other end. Bielsa's back line is well organised, and a tight, low scoring win looks the most likely result. At 1.65 the value lies with Saudi Arabia not scoring.