India showed enough attacking intent to suggest it could compete with two-time world champion Uruguay, but a second-half collapse exposed the gulf in pace, depth and efficiency as the host eventually capitulated to a 1-6 loss at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
India started positively but struggled to maintain its defensive discipline as the game progressed.
Ryan Williams’ effort was parried by goalkeeper Thiago Cardozo, but Thapa reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home. The goal highlighted India’s biggest problem: it lacked the speed to shift from attack to defence and struggled to rebuild quickly after winning possession. There were encouraging moments, too. Uruguay coach Diego Forlan made seven changes, including Lucas Torreira and Facundo Pellistri, adding fresh quality and energy to his side. India’s efforts did not disappear, but its inability to match Uruguay’s pace and intensity became increasingly evident. India had late opportunities through substitutes Mohammed Sanan and Sahal Abdul Samad, but both efforts were saved by Cardozo in the Uruguay goal.
India responded well and drew level in the 22 nd minute. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu produced an excellent 37 th -minute save to deny Nunez after the striker had been put through. Rodrigo Zalazar made it 3-1 in the 53 rd minute, Araujo scored his second in the 59th, Juan Sanabria found the target in the 71 st , and Rodrigo Aguirre netted in the 86 th to complete the rout.