Cape Verde came back from a goal down to level the score at 2-2 in its FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match against Uruguay, being played at the Miami Stadium on Sunday.
Kevin Pina gave the debutant the lead before Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio scored for Uruguay in the final stages of the first half.
However, Cape Verde came back into the game in the 61st minute after Helio Varela made use of an error to find the back of the net just three minutes after being subbed on.
Who is Helio Varela?
Helio Varela plays for Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv. He has recorded six goals and three assists in 45 appearances this season, the first half of which he spent with KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League.
He made his international debut in 2023 during a 1-5 loss against Algeria in an international friendly and was included in the squad for AFCON 2023. However, he decided not to travel for the tournament in Ivory Coast and to stay with his then club, Portimonense.
Although the decision was not well received by the Cape Verde football federation, he soon made his way back into the team and has gone on to make 21 appearances.
The strike against Uruguay was his first international goal to along with his two assists.
Published on Jun 22, 2026
