Cape Verde have reached the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 0–0 draw with Saudi Arabia in their final Group H match, SuperEaglesNG.com reports.
The result secured second place in the group with three points and confirmed their place in the round of 32. Spain finished top of Group H with seven points after a 1–0 win over Uruguay. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both exited the tournament on two points.
This marks a major milestone for Cape Verde in their World Cup debut. They now join a small group of African nations that have reached the knockout stage in their first appearance at the tournament.
The Nigeria Super Eagles set the standard in 1994. They topped a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece before losing 2–1 to Italy in the round of 16.
Senegal matched that achievement in 2002. They reached the quarter-finals after strong group results before Turkey eliminated them.
Ghana also made a deep run in 2006. They reached the round of 16 after wins over the Czech Republic and the United States. Brazil then ended their progress.
Cape Verde now join this list of African debutants who have made a strong impact at the FIFA World Cup.
