Cabo Verde make history: in the round of 32 for first time

In the final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 at NRG Stadium in Houston. With this result, Cabo Verde, who finished all three of their matches in a draw on their World Cup debut, ended second in the group on 3 points to reach the round of 32 and make history. Saudi Arabia, who needed a win, were eliminated from the tournament.

In the goalless match, the more effective side on the pitch was Cabo Verde. The statistics confirmed this: the islanders led in possession with 51 percent and held a 15-7 edge in total shots. In expected goals too, Cabo Verde clearly stamped their mark on the match at 1.52-0.40. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, struggled to create the clear chances needed for the win they wanted.

Although Cabo Verde pushed for a goal especially in the second half, they could not get past the Saudi Arabia goal. After Saudi Arabia's Saud Abdulhamid was booked in the 4th minute in the first half, Cabo Verde's Willy Pina also saw yellow in the 9th minute for an elbow. On the Saudi side, Hassan Tambakti went off injured in the 33rd minute; both teams made numerous substitutions in the second half. Cabo Verde were on stage knowing that, with Spain beating Uruguay in the other match, a draw was enough to advance.

In a match refereed by France's François Letexier and watched by 68,278 fans, Cabo Verde managed to carry their fairytale adventure into the next round. Reaching the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time in the country's history, the islanders pulled off one of the tournament's biggest surprises. The group stage, completed unbeaten with three draws, went down as an unforgettable achievement for Cabo Verde.

Image: Yahoo Sports