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

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Saudi Arabia open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with kickoff at 00:00 CAT on Tuesday, June 16. Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay arrive as strong favourites, built on a powerful midfield and the firepower of Darwin Nunez, while Saudi Arabia will look to frustrate and strike on the counter. This is a difficult Group H opener for the Green Falcons against one of the most organised sides in the field. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will sit deep, stay compact and look to score primarily in transition, and from my point of view that disciplined approach is their only realistic plan against a side of Uruguay's quality. Captain Salem Al Dawsari remains the creative spark and main outlet, with forward Feras Al Brikan offering a physical presence up top. Recent form is mixed, with a comfortable win against Puerto Rico and a draw in their last two games, but three consecutive defeats prior to that. I expect the Green Falcons to defend in numbers and try to keep the scoreline down.

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

Uruguay

Uruguay are the class act here and in my opinion Bielsa's high tempo, pressing style should overwhelm Saudi Arabia for long periods. Federico Valverde drives everything from midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo Bentancur, while Darwin Nunez leads the line with the movement to stretch a deep defence. Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez give La Celeste real authority at the back, and the squad arrives with no notable absentees. I expect Uruguay to control the game and break Saudi resistance in the second half.

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

Uruguay have the midfield control and the cutting edge to wear Saudi Arabia down, though Bielsa's side may have to be patient against a packed defence. I expect La Celeste to find the breakthrough goal and manage the game from there. My forecast: Saudi Arabia 0 Uruguay 1.

BTTS: No (1.65)

I am backing BTTS: No and my read on this is that Saudi Arabia will pour men behind the ball and rarely test Uruguay at the other end. Bielsa's defenders are well-drilled and a low-scoring, controlled win is the most likely outcome. At 1.65 the value sits with Saudi Arabia failing to find the net.