Cape Verde continued their fairy tale run at the 2026 World Cup by making the round of 32 in their first appearance, finishing second in Group H after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
The island nation have been one of the stories of the tournament. With a population of just 500,000 people, their football team produced superb performances against powerhouses Spain and Uruguay in their first two group games to capture the hearts of the world.
Cape Verde knew if things went their way in the final matches, they could go straight through to the knockouts – there was even a scenario where they could have won the group – but the result in Houston coupled with Spain’s 1-0 win saw them finish as runners-up behind La Roja.
It sets up a round of 32 tie with Argentina on Friday July 3 in Miami with kick-off at 11pm.
Cape Verde players celebrate after reaching the World Cup’s round of 32
The key moments from Houston…
33: SUB! Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti is stretchered off with Ali Lajami on in his place.
45+2: CLOSE! Saudi go close to the opener, but Vozinha saves Mohamed Kanno’s header.
49: HUGE CHANCE! Jamiro Monteiro almost puts Cape Verde ahead, but his shot is saved by Mohammed Al Owais.
74: BIG SAVE! Al Owais makes a superb save to keep Laros Duarte from scoring.
90+2: HUGE MOMENT! Saudi Arabia have a huge chance to save their World Cup, but Abdullah Al Hamddan’s effort is well-collected by Vozinha.
Neville: Cape Verde shows football is unpredictable – that’s why we love it!
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on ITV:
“For those sceptics who thought expanding the tournament wasn’t the right thing, they might just be rethinking it watching Cape Verde.
We’ve just seen Uruguay go out, one of the teams with the richest history in this tournament, and now we’ve got one of the smallest countries getting to the knockout phase. It’s a very special moment for them.
“Looking at the group [before the tournament], we would’ve said Spain and Uruguay are through on paper. We wouldn’t have even contemplated Cape Verde doing what they’ve done.
“Football is unpredictable. That’s why we love it and it’s a great moment for the competition and this new format.”
Cape Verde head coach Bubista waves the flag as he celebrates reaching the round of 32
‘I feel like I’m in a dream’
Cape Verde midfielder Deroy Duarte: “Honestly, it’s mad. I feel like I’m in a dream. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.
“First, let’s celebrate. We’re so happy. Let’s hope all Cape Verdeans are happy too. From tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next match. It’s against Argentina, isn’t it? A tough match, but let’s believe. Anything is possible.”
Cape Verde forward Dailon Livramento: “We tried to play football, we tried to play our own style. This was the match where we were able to show that.
“In the end, we’ll look at what we could have done better – like finishing off our moves – but that’s for the next match. For now, we’re just going to celebrate.”
Selfies and cowboy hats! Cape Verde celebrate historic moment
Cape Verde celebrates with their fans after their spot in the round of 32 was confirmed
Cape Verde’s Diney Borges celebrates after reaching the round of 32
Cape Verde head coach Bubista waves a flag while being carried on the shoulder of Jovane Cabral
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha takes a selfie with fans after the game against Saudi Arabia
