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Cape Verde sets up Argentina World Cup knockout clash after historic debut run
27th June, 2026 06:30 AM
Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup debut will continue into the knockout rounds after the African island nation secured a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 27, 2026, earning a place in the round of 32.
The result in Houston, combined with Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara, saw Cape Verde finish second in Group H behind the Spaniards. Entering the tournament ranked 67th in the world, the newcomers completed the group stage unbeaten with three draws.
Their reward is a high-profile meeting against defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Miami on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Spain topped the group with seven points, while Cape Verde collected three. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia exited the competition after finishing with two points each. Spain will now face the runner-up from Group J, with either Algeria or Austria set to be their opponents.
Squad rotation
With qualification within reach, Cape Verde head coach Bubista made several changes to his lineup, rotating half of his starting XI. Despite the reshuffle, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha retained his place after his outstanding displays in the opening matches.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper had already established himself as one of the tournament’s surprise performers after helping Cape Verde earn a memorable scoreless draw against European champions Spain in their World Cup debut. The island nation followed that performance with an impressive 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay, leaving them in contention for a historic knockout berth heading into their final group fixture.
Saudi Arabia also entered the match with hopes of advancing, while the simultaneous clash between Spain and Uruguay meant qualification remained undecided until the final whistle.
Cape Verde enjoyed more possession and created the better opportunities during the opening period against a Saudi side that had previously drawn with Uruguay before suffering a heavy defeat to Spain.
The Saudis were dealt a setback in the 33rd minute when experienced defender Hassan Al-Tambakti was forced off the pitch on a stretcher after picking up an injury.
News of Spain taking the lead over Uruguay before halftime sparked celebrations among Cape Verde supporters inside the Houston stadium, as the result strengthened their chances of progressing.
Although Willy Semedo threatened with an effort that drifted narrowly wide, neither team managed to seriously test the opposing goalkeeper before the interval.
Cape Verde continued to look the more dangerous side after the restart. Jamiro Monteiro missed a golden opportunity from close range shortly after halftime, while Kevin Pina’s long-range strike flashed just past the target.
As the clock wound down, Saudi Arabia struggled to produce the attacking creativity needed to find a breakthrough. Cape Verde, meanwhile, continued to look capable of snatching a winner.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais preserved his team’s hopes in the 75th minute by producing an important save to deny Laros Duarte.
Ultimately, the draw proved sufficient for Cape Verde to achieve one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, extending an unforgettable World Cup campaign and setting up a blockbuster knockout encounter with Argentina.
