Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round
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Saudi Arabia's Abdulelah Alamri (4) and Cape Verde's Nuno da Costa (21) collide as they try to head the ball during the second half of the World Cup Group H football match in Houston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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Saudi Arabia's Mohamed Kanno (23) battles for the ball with Cape Verde's Nuno da Costa (21) during the World Cup Group H football match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
HOUSTON (AP) — Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout round following a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night.
The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on football’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay.
Cape Verde’s three points put the team in second place behind Spain, which beat Uruguay on Friday night and won the group.
Cape Verde will play reigning World Cup champion Argentina in Miami on July 3.
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