Cape Verde Reaches FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage

Kathmandu. Cape Verde has achieved a historic feat in the FIFA World Cup 2026. By playing a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in the final match of Group 'H', Cape Verde has entered the final 32 of the World Cup for the first time as runner-up.

Cape Verde, playing its debut World Cup, secured the second position by accumulating three points from three group stage matches. It succeeded in creating history by leaving behind two-time World Cup winner Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, the host for 2034.

Cape Verde created more goal-scoring opportunities in the match. Although Willy Semedo and Laros Duarte got excellent chances, Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made brilliant saves, keeping the game goalless. In the second half, Kevin Pina's long-range shot also narrowly missed the target.

With this, Cape Verde has become the third African nation to remain unbeaten in the group stage in its first World Cup participation.

Now, Cape Verde will face the reigning World Champion Argentina in the Round of 32. In the match to be held in Miami on July 3, Cape Verde will have the challenge of continuing its historic journey.

Meanwhile, Argentina is scheduled to finish its group stage by playing its final match against Jordan tomorrow. Before that, in the two matches Argentina has played, it registered an impressive victory in the first match and also performed excellently in the second match, securing its second consecutive win. Having already secured full 6 points from two matches, Argentina has already reached the knockout stage as group winner.

Therefore, the potential encounter between Cape Verde and Argentina is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup Round of 32.