Cape Verde have written a new chapter in their nation's football history, qualifying for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup for the first time. In the final Group H match, Cape Verde held Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in Houston (USA), while Spain beat Uruguay 1-0, securing second place in Group H for the 67th-ranked team with three points from three unbeaten matches.
With this achievement, Cape Verde — an island nation of over 500,000 people off the coast of West Africa — will face Lionel Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3.
Coach Bubista changed half of his starting lineup but kept goalkeeper Vozinha, the 40-year-old hero who made outstanding saves in the scoreless draw with Spain in the opener. Earlier, Cape Verde also earned a brave 2-2 draw against Uruguay, a two-time World Cup champion.
The match against Saudi Arabia was tense. In the 33rd minute, Saudi defender Hassan al-Tambakti was stretchered off with an injury. Cape Verde had the better chances in the first half but truly threatened the opponent's goal after the break. Jamiro Monteiro missed a golden opportunity from close range (minute 48), and Kevin Pina's long-range shot went just wide. Goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais saved Saudi Arabia in the 75th minute after a strike from Laros Duarte. Although Saudi Arabia needed a goal to keep their hopes alive, they lacked creativity in the final minutes, and Cape Verde actually dominated play.
Group H results: Spain (7 points, group winners) will face the second-place team from Group J (Algeria or Austria). Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both finished with 2 points and were eliminated.
