In the final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia face off at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the starting XIs for both teams have been announced. Cabo Verde, who drew with Spain and Uruguay on their tournament debut, want to make history by reaching the round of 32 with a win. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will accept nothing but a win to stay in the tournament.
For Cabo Verde, head coach Bubista had to make an enforced change in defense as he set up his side. João Paulo comes into the XI in place of left-back Sidney Lopes Cabral, suspended for two yellow cards. With Vozinha in goal, the islanders will seek goals supported by names like Dailon Rocha Livramento and Roberto "Pico" Lopes up front. Cabo Verde, who showed both defensive discipline and attacking improvement in the first two matches, will be on the field with that confidence.
For Saudi Arabia, head coach Georgios Donis is trying to overcome their attacking struggles. The Green Falcons, ineffective in front of goal in the first two matches, look for a special performance from captain and star forward Salem Al-Dawsari. Firas Al-Buraikan plays up top, while Mohamed Kanno will balance the play in midfield. Saudi Arabia, who keep the famous win over Argentina in Qatar four years ago in mind, aim to stay in the tournament with a similar surprise.
The match needs a winner for both sides. Cabo Verde are on the brink of continuing their fairytale adventure and reaching the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time in the country's history. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, are in dire need of three points to avoid an early exit. In this decider at NRG Stadium, both teams are expected to press for goals.
Starting XIs
Cabo Verde (4-3-3): Vozinha; Borges, Lopes, Duarte, Paulo; Lenini, Mendes, Monteiro; Pina, Livramento, Semedo
Saudi Arabia (4-3-3): Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Amri, Tambakti, Al Khaibari; Kanno, Al Dawsari N., Al Dawsari S.; Boushal, Al Buraikan, Mandash
Image: Yahoo Sports
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