how are uruguay eliminated when they and saudi arabia are on equal points

Uruguay can still be eliminated on equal points because points are only the first tiebreaker ; if Saudi Arabia has the same points, the next criteria decide who stays alive. In this Group H scenario, the teams are separated by goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head and fair play if needed, and Uruguay were reported eliminated after finishing with just two points even though Saudi Arabia was also on a low total.

Why equal points is not enough

A tie on points does not automatically mean both teams advance. The standings then move to tiebreakers, starting with overall goal difference and goals scored, before looking at more detailed separation rules.

What that means here

In the match context described, Uruguay’s exit was not decided by points alone; it was decided by the full group table after the other results were applied. Reports covering the group said Spain beat Uruguay, Cape Verde advanced, and Uruguay were out on two points, while Saudi Arabia were also eliminated.

Simple example

If Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both finish on 2 points:

• the team with the better goal difference ranks higher.
• if still tied, the team with more goals scored ranks higher.
• if still tied after that, later tiebreakers such as fair play can matter.

In short, equal points does not mean equal outcome ; Uruguay can be eliminated if the tiebreakers leave them below the qualification line.

TL;DR: They can be level on points and still go out because World Cup groups use tiebreakers beyond points, and Uruguay’s reported elimination happened after those rules were applied.