Cape Verde Make History In World Cup Debut By Reaching Next Round

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia - Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, U.S. - June 26, 2026 Cape Verde coach Pedro Brito celebrates after the match as they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
27/06/2026 11:35 AM

ISTANBUL, June 27 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Cape Verde made history in their debut appearance by drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing their place in the next round at Houston Stadium in the United States, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Even though there was a goalless stalemate, Cape Verde looked most likely to score throughout the match due to more possession. At the end of the second half, incessant attacks nearly resulted in a Cape Verde lead, but the Saudi defence proved a tough nut to crack.

While Saudi Arabia did probe Cape Verde for weaknesses, they did not manage to get a convincing opportunity to take the lead.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia - Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, U.S. - June 26, 2026 Cape Verde players and staff celebrate after the match as Cape Verde qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski

But in the end, Cape Verde, due to Spain’s victory against Uruguay, flipped the group table to their advantage, becoming the smallest nation to ever advance out of the group stage in the tournament.

Cape Verde finished Group H in second place, securing their place in the next round, while Saudi Arabia finished last, exiting the tournament.

Cape Verde are set to play Argentina in the Round of 32.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU