Cape Verde created history by reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in their debut appearance after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia secured second place in Group H.
The Blue Sharks finished unbeaten in the group stage with three points, edging past Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to book a dream knockout clash against defending champions Argentina. Cape Verde looked the more dangerous side throughout, with Willy Semedo forcing goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais into a brilliant save before narrowly missing with another effort.
Their remarkable campaign makes them only the third African nation to progress through the group stage unbeaten on their World Cup debut.
Cape Verde will now face Lionel Messi-led Argentina in Miami in the biggest match in the nation’s football history.