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World Cup newcomers Cape Verde have continued their remarkable fairytale after securing a historic place in the knockout stage with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The result in Houston, coupled with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, saw the African nation finish second in Group H behind Spain. Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde progressed after drawing all three of their group-stage matches.
Their reward is a dream Round of 32 encounter against defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Miami on July 3.
The achievement sparked emotional scenes at full-time, with players and supporters overcome with joy after waiting anxiously for confirmation of Spain’s victory. Once the result filtered through, celebrations erupted both inside the stadium and back home in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, where fans had stayed awake into the early hours to witness history.
“I’m living in a dream, to be honest,” midfielder Deroy Duarte said after the match.
Head coach Bubista, who attended his post-match press conference draped in Cape Verde’s national flag, praised his team’s determination and belief.
“We believed we could reach this stage,” he said.
“The players were eager to show the world what Cape Verde is capable of. We are proud to prove that although we are a small country, we fight for everything we want. For us, nothing is impossible.”
Spain finished top of Group H with seven points, while Cape Verde advanced with three. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia exited the tournament after both finished on two points.
Spain will now face the runners-up from Group J, with either Algeria or Austria awaiting the European champions.
Cape Verde’s Historic Run
Cape Verde’s qualification is among the biggest surprises of the tournament.
The island nation, located off Africa’s west coast, opened its maiden World Cup campaign by holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw, thanks largely to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper once again inspired his side after helping them earn a spirited 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay, leaving qualification within touching distance ahead of the decisive clash with Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde produced the better chances for much of Friday’s contest, while Saudi Arabia struggled to create meaningful opportunities despite needing victory to stay alive.
The Saudis suffered an early setback when experienced defender Hassan Al-Tambakti was forced off with an injury in the 33rd minute.
As news spread that Spain had taken the lead against Uruguay in the other Group H fixture, Cape Verde fans inside the stadium erupted in celebration.
Willy Semedo went close before halftime, while Jamiro Monteiro missed a golden opportunity shortly after the restart. Kevin Pina also came within inches of breaking the deadlock with a long-range strike.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais produced an outstanding save in the 75th minute to deny Laros Duarte and preserve the stalemate.
Although a draw was enough to send Cape Verde through, Bubista’s men looked the more dangerous side in the closing stages, completing one of the most memorable group-stage campaigns in recent World Cup history.
The tiny island nation now turns its attention to an even greater challenge—a historic knockout showdown against Lionel Messi’s Argentina as their extraordinary World Cup journey continues.
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