Houston, June 27: Cape Verde has made history by securing a spot in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. Finishing second in Group H, Cape Verde will face the defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32.
Following an impressive group stage performance, Cape Verde has achieved another significant milestone. They have become the third African team to reach the Round of 32 without losing a match in their World Cup debut. This achievement is regarded as a memorable moment in the nation’s football history, often described as a “dream run.”
Cape Verde finished the group stage with three points, one point ahead of two-time winners Uruguay and the 2034 World Cup hosts, Saudi Arabia. Their unbeaten record in the group stage has been remarkable. Now, they will compete against a star-studded Argentina team led by Lionel Messi on Thursday, July 3, at Miami Stadium. This match is set to be the most significant and crucial in the history of Cape Verdean football.
In the match against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde showcased aggressive gameplay from the start. Willy Semedo made several attempts to score, but Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made excellent saves. Cape Verde also had a long-range shot in the first half that narrowly missed the top corner.
Saudi Arabia faced a major setback during the match when defender Hassan Al Tambakti collapsed on the field without any contact. He was subsequently stretchered off, weakening the team’s defense. Despite this, Saudi Arabia continued to fight to maintain their defense until the final minutes. Goalkeeper Al Owais made several outstanding saves, successfully preventing his team from losing. Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless draw, sparking joy among Cape Verde’s supporters.
The match concluded with a score of 0-0, and that single point propelled Cape Verde into the knockout stage. As the final whistle blew, a wave of happiness swept through the team and their fans.
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