Debutants Cape Verde draw with Saudi Arabia and set up Round of 16 clash with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Without winning a single match, the Blue Sharks reach the second round, capitalizing on Uruguay’s defeat.

Houston, we have a surprise!

Debutants Cape Verde have reached the Round of 32 of 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Matchday 3 at the NRG Stadium.

They finish second in Group H and will now face Argentina and Lionel Messi.

HISTORY MADE

Cabo Verde produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, advancing to the Round of 16 after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. Combined with Uruguay’s defeat to Spain in Guadalajara, it was enough to secure second place in Group H in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Remarkably, they did it unbeaten—without winning a single match.

A GROUP WHERE ANYONE COULD GO THROUGH

The African side finished with 5 points, behind Spain (7) and ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, both on 2. Their record: 0-0 vs Spain, 2-2 vs Uruguay, and 0-0 vs Saudi Arabia. With just half a million inhabitants, they are among the smallest nations in recent World Cup history—and yet they not only survived the group, they did it without losing.

The match in Houston had a unique context. Saudi Arabia needed a win to stay alive, while Cabo Verde played with one eye on the scoreboard from Guadalajara. Spain’s goal against Uruguay, confirmed at halftime, effectively sealed their qualification.

THE BLUE SHARKS’ SECRET

It was a tense, physical game from the start, marked by early bookings and an injury to Hassan Al-Tambakti that disrupted Saudi Arabia’s plans. Chances were limited, but Cabo Verde had the clearest opportunities late on: Laros Duarte missed a one-on-one in the 75th minute, Pina fired over from distance, and Garry Rodrigues squandered the final chance.

Saudi Arabia, despite needing victory, failed to break down a disciplined Cabo Verde block that managed the draw with tactical intelligence rather than attacking flair.

At the final whistle in Houston—coinciding with Spain’s 1-0 lead in Guadalajara—celebration erupted. Cabo Verde, World Cup debutants, sealed a historic and unexpected qualification, unbeaten and still dreaming of more.