In the final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia finished the first half goalless at NRG Stadium in Houston. Cabo Verde, trying to make history on their tournament debut, aim to reach the round of 32 with a win; Saudi Arabia, who have no choice but to win to stay in the tournament, are also chasing three points. In a match of great importance for both, the balance held in the first 45 minutes.
The first half was a tight affair in which both teams struggled to create clear chances. The statistics pointed to an even contest: although Cabo Verde led slightly in possession with 53 percent, Saudi Arabia were ahead in expected goals at 0.19-0.13. Cabo Verde held a 4-3 edge in total shots, while Saudi Arabia had the only big chance of the match.
Cards were not absent either. Saudi Arabia's Saud Abdulhamid was booked in the 4th minute for a foul, while Cabo Verde's Willy Pina was shown a yellow in the 9th minute for an elbow. There was also an injury on the Saudi side; Hassan Tambakti went off injured in the 33rd minute, replaced by Lajami.
In a match refereed by France's François Letexier and watched by 72,220 fans, both teams are expected to take risks and push for a goal in the second half for the sake of qualification. While a draw could still be enough for Cabo Verde depending on the other match's result, Saudi Arabia need an outright win to avoid elimination.
Image: Ahram Online
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