MIAMI June 15, 2026 – Centre-back Abdulelah Al-Amri etched his name into Saudi Arabian football history on Monday night, scoring his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal to give the Green Falcons a shock 1-0 lead over Uruguay in their Group H opener at Hard Rock Stadium.
The 41st-minute strike, coming from a corner, saw Al-Amri slot home from close range past veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, sending Saudi fans into raptures and echoing their famous giant-killing spirit from Qatar 2022.
FIFA’s official World Cup account captured the magic with a celebratory post: “That first #FIFAWorldCup goal feeling 💪,” featuring Al-Amri (wearing No. 4) celebrating with arms outstretched as the Uruguayan keeper lay on the turf.
The goal came after Uruguay had dominated early possession, but Saudi Arabia grew into the match and capitalized on set-piece opportunity. Al-Amri, who recently won the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, showed composure under pressure in a high-stakes debut.
Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa and arriving in Miami after a chaotic flight delay, pushed hard for an equalizer. They finally found it in the 80th minute through Maxi Araújo, leveling the score at 1-1 in a hard-fought encounter that ended in a draw.
Al-Amri’s goal marks Saudi Arabia’s first of the 2026 tournament and highlights the continued progress of the national team, bolstered by investments in the Saudi Pro League. Fans and analysts quickly drew parallels to the 2022 upset over Argentina.
“This is Saudi Arabia,” one supporter posted, while others praised the “massive development” visible in the squad.
The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group H, but for Al-Amri and Saudi Arabia, the night will be remembered for that unforgettable first World Cup goal.
Match Stats (Final): Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay
- Goal: Al-Amri 41′ (KSA); Araújo 80′ (URU)
Stay tuned for more World Cup 2026 action as the tournament heats up in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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