Sunday, June 28, 2026 - Cape Verde have written a remarkable chapter in FIFA World Cup history after becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage of the tournament after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in their group stage finale in Houston on Friday.
The island nation, with a population of just over 600,000,
secured qualification from Group H after finishing unbeaten, collecting three
points from three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
"We are small," said Vozinha, Cape Verde's
40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. "But we have
big hearts and we are fighters."
The tournament debutants pulled off one of the World Cup's
biggest surprises by playing pre-tournament favorites Spain to a scoreless draw
in its opener. They followed that up by scoring their first goals of the World
Cup in a 2-2 tie against Uruguay.
With Friday's draw, they finish undefeated on three points
and take second place in Group H behind 2010 winners Spain and a point ahead of
two-time World Cup champions Uruguay.
Cape Verde will face defending champions Argentina next up
in a round-of-32 matchup in Miami Gardens, Florida, on July 3.
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