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Cape Verde etched their name into World Cup history after battling Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw that secured a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Blue Sharks finished second in Group H with three points, becoming the first team since Chile in 1998 to reach the knockout stage with three consecutive draws. The result also saw Cape Verde become the first African nation since Ghana in 2006 to progress beyond the group stage on its World Cup debut.
With Uruguay losing 1-0 to Spain in the other group fixture, Cape Verde’s disciplined display proved enough to book a blockbuster last-32 meeting with defending champions Argentina on July 3.
Cape Verde looked the more threatening side throughout the contest. Willy Semedo forced an early save from Mohammed Al Owais before firing another effort narrowly wide, while Kevin Pina came close with a long-range strike shortly after the break.
Saudi Arabia suffered a major setback in the first half when defender Hassan Al Tambakti was stretchered off after collapsing without contact. Despite the disruption, the Green Falcons remained in the contest thanks largely to goalkeeper Al Owais, who produced a crucial save to deny Laros Duarte in a one-on-one situation late in the match.
When the final whistle sounded, Cape Verde’s players gathered around a mobile phone to follow the closing moments of Spain’s victory over Uruguay. Jubilant celebrations erupted as confirmation arrived that the tiny island nation had reached the knockout stage.
Ranked 67th in the world and with a population of just over 500,000, Cape Verde completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign after holding Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws.
Midfielder Deroy Duarte described the achievement as a dream come true, saying he never imagined making history for his country on football’s biggest stage. He added that while Argentina would be formidable opponents, Cape Verde believed anything was possible after their remarkable run.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, bowed out at the foot of Group H after failing to register a victory in the tournament.
