Cape Verde Reaches FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Kathmandu. Cape Verde has achieved a historic feat in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Cape Verde, which held two-time World Cup winners Spain and Uruguay to a draw, has advanced to the final 32 of the World Cup as runner-up by playing a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in the final match of Group 'H'.

The smallest nation participating in the current World Cup, Cape Verde's Round of 32 clash will be against the reigning World Champion Argentina next Saturday morning.

Cape Verde, playing its debut World Cup, is the only team to draw all three group stage matches, from which it secured three points in three matches to finish second. Cape Verde 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 to keep the game goalless. In the second half, Kevin Pina's long-range shot also went slightly wide of the target.

With this, Cape Verde has become the first Caribbean nation to remain unbeaten in all three group stage matches 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 group match against Jordan tomorrow. Before that, Argentina had registered an impressive victory in its first match and showed excellent performance in the second match as well, securing its second consecutive win. Argentina, having already secured full 6 points from two matches, 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.