Cape Verde became the smallest country by population to ever reach the knockout stages of a men’s World Cup after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in the group stage final in Houston on Friday.
The result, reported by ESPNcap a remarkable debut tournament for the island nation, who went through the entire group stage without losing a single match.
Cape Verde finished unbeaten with three points and are second in Group H behind 2010 winners Spain, and one point ahead of two-time World Cup champions Uruguay.
Cape Verde also became the first team in 28 years to advance to the knockout stages after three draws. Wales achieved the feat in 1958, followed by Ireland and the Netherlands in 1990 and Chile in 1998.
The small island nation, making their debut on football’s biggest stage, had already held 2010 champions Spain to a 0-0 draw before coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Uruguay. You can revisit this memorable opening in our Spain vs Cape Verde highlights.
“We’re small,” Vozinha said after the final whistle. “But we have a big heart and we are fighters.” The 40-year-old player has become one of the most talked about figures of this World Cup.
Coach Bubista, wrapped in his country’s flag, said: “We are proud to have reached this stage. We have shown that we are a small country, but that we fight for the things we want to achieve.”
Midfielder Deroy Duarte added: “Honestly, it’s crazy. I feel like I’m in a dream. Since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup. First, let’s celebrate. We’re very happy. We hope all Cape Verdeans are too. Starting tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next game.”
Uruguay’s defeat by Spain at the same time means they join Saudi Arabia in succumbing to an early exit, leaving Cape Verde as the undisputed story of Group H and one of the most captivating teams at the 2026 World Cup.
