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Cape Verde’s third game puts them in second place in Group H and they face the world champions in the knockouts.
Updated on 27 Jun 2026
World Cup holders Cape Verde face reigning champions Argentina in the final after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia to continue their winning streak.
The impasse in Houston and Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay, both on Friday, saw the 67th-ranked team come into the tournament finishing last behind Spain in Group H.
Unbeaten in their three group games, the island nation of over 500,000 will play Argentina’s Lionel Messi in Miami on July 3 in another chapter of their incredible story.
Spain, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in the first round of play, finished with seven points, three ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both returning home with two.
Spain will face the second-placed team in Group J, either Algeria or Austria.
History dictates, Cape Verde’s coach, Bubista, changed half of his first team, some forced, but kept his strong goalkeeper Vozinha.
The 40-year-old stopper kept Cape Verde single-handed as they held on against European champions Spain in their first World Cup match.
Cape Verde, located on the west coast of Africa, drew 2-2 with former champions Uruguay.
This left them with a difficult shot in the upcoming knockout stage against Saudi Arabia, who are still alive.
At the same time, in Guadalajara, Spain and Uruguay met as an unexpectedly strong team that went down to the wire.
Cape Verde had little success in the first round in Houston against the Saudi side who drew 1-1 with Uruguay before losing 4-0 to Spain.
The Saudis suffered a setback in the 33rd minute when experienced defender Hassan al-Tambakti was injured.
Spain took the lead late in the first half against Mexico, news that was welcomed by the Cape Verdean fans in Houston.
Willy Semedo didn’t run too far from the Saudi post, but neither side really threatened in the first half.
At that time, Cape Verde was passing through the currency of Uruguay.
Three minutes after the break, Jamiro Monteiro had a great chance from close range, but his finish was weak. Then Kevin Pina tried to get away from the whistle just before he arrived.
Tensions rose as they entered the final stage, but Saudi Arabia surprisingly missed out despite chasing the game.
In the 75th minute, goalkeeper Mohammed al-Owais kept them in it with a crucial stop from Laros Duarte.
One point was enough for Cape Verde, but if possible, they could have scored when the game was about to arrive.
