The story continues: Cape Verde draws with Saudi Arabia and advances in the World Cup
Cape Verde continues to make history in the 2026 World Cup. The African team drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, this Friday (26), at the NRG Stadium, in Houston, in the third and final round of Group H, and guaranteed a place in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
The result, combined with Spain's victory over Uruguay, confirmed the team's classification as second in the group.
In their first participation in the history of the World Cup, Cape Verde ends the group stage undefeated. The team had already surprised by drawing with Spain in the debut and drew attention again by seeking a draw against Uruguay in the second round. Now, confirm the historic campaign with the knockout stage.
Cape Verde will face Lionel Messi's Argentina in the next phase. The Saudi Arabian team leaves the World Cup as the bottom of the group.
The game
Cape Verde started the match with more possession of the ball and trying to build from the defensive field, while Saudi Arabia adopted a more retreating stance in the first minutes. The start was warm, with a lot of competition in midfield and no shots until the 15th minute.
The most dangerous first arrival was from Saudi Arabia, in the 17th minute, when Salem Al-Dawsari received the ball inside the area, adjusted it and finished, but Kevin Pina appeared well to block it.
Shortly afterwards, Cape Verde responded with Willy Semedo, who escaped from the left, invaded the area and forced goalkeeper Al-Owais to make a good save.
From then on, the Cape Verdean team started to have more offensive volume.
Cape Verde draws with Saudi Arabia and advances in the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
Even without creating many clear chances, he circled the opponent's area, accelerated in plays on the sides and prevented Saudi Arabia from gaining control of the match.
In the second half, Cape Verde came back better and almost scored early on. In the 29th minute of the second half, Saudi had a chance with Al-Khaibari, who went up after a corner kick, but sent it out.
At the end of the second half, Cape Verde had the team completely withdrawn, taking advantage of opportunities for counterattacks. Saudi Arabia pressed and had good chances, but failed to score.
With five minutes left in the game, however, it was Cape Verde who had one of the best chances of the game with Pina in the area, who took a while to finish and was blocked. In stoppage time, the African team still lost a goal inside the box in the last minute, but achieved the long-awaited qualification and made history in the World Cup.
Source: CNN