The tiny island nation of Cape Verde has made history at the 2026 World Cup by becoming the smallest country ever to reach the tournament's knockout stage. With a population of around 530,000, the West African team advanced from the group stage after three consecutive draws, including a 0-0 stalemate against Saudi Arabia on the evening of 27 June.
Cape Verde's hero throughout the journey has been 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who displayed tenacious fighting spirit. He made three crucial saves against Saudi Arabia, including a headed effort from Mohamed Kanno in stoppage time of the first half and a superb block from Abdullah al-Hamdan's shot in the 92nd minute.
"We are small, but we have big hearts and we are warriors," said Vozinha, who plays for Chaves in Portugal's second division. He now boasts over 16 million Instagram followers thanks to his World Cup exploits.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, shocked the football world by holding 2010 champions Spain to a 0-0 draw, then fought back to draw 2-2 with 1930 champions Uruguay. With three points, they finished second in the group behind Spain, who defeated Uruguay in the final round.
Coach Bubista, who draped the Cape Verde flag over his shoulders after the Saudi Arabia match, said: "The team was desperate to show this to the whole world. We are proud to have reached this stage. We have proved we are a small nation, but we fight for what we want to achieve."
Cape Verde fans at the stadium held up banners that read: "Small islands, big dreams." A group of bare-chested men even had the name "Vozinha" tattooed on their chests. The goalkeeper's mother, Ana Candida Evora, watched from the VIP stands after resolving visa issues to support her son.
In the round of 32, Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina in Miami on 3 July. "Everybody has the right to dream, and nothing is impossible," coach Bubista said ahead of the decisive match.
