Cape Verde’s impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reached another milestone on Friday as the Blue Sharks managed to qualify for the round of 32 despite losing all three of their matches in the group stage. A comfortable 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, combined with Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay, was enough to send the African newcomers into second place behind Group H winners Spain.The victory ends one of the most unlikely stories of the tournament. In its first World Cup, the island nation of over 500,000 people edged out a group that included former world champions Spain and Uruguay, becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the men’s FIFA World Cup.
Three shots, one fit for history
Cape Verde went into their Group H final knowing that qualification would not be achieved, but their fate could depend on what was happening at the same time in Guadalajara.The Blue Sharks had already exceeded expectations by upsetting Spain in a goalless draw before bouncing back to draw 2-2 against Uruguay. Another point against Saudi Arabia would have left them on three points, but progress depended on Spain avoiding defeat against Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Cape Verde also did well to hold Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw as they anxiously await news of the next match. Shortly after the final whistle, confirmation came that Spain had beaten Uruguay 1-0. The result brought joy among the Cape Verdean players, coaches and supporters, many of whom were seen hugging each other and shedding tears as qualification was confirmed.
Cape Verde players celebrate after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The reward for their incredible group campaign is a Round of 32 meeting with defending champions Argentina in Miami on July 3.
Actions that only three countries have taken
By drawing all three of their group games and progressing, Cape Verde joined the ranks of the top scoring clubs in World Cup history.They became the fourth country to qualify for the finals after drawing all three group games. Before Cape Verde, this role was fulfilled by:
- Wales (1958)
- Republic of Ireland (1990)
- Cape Verde (2026)
Cameroon also drew all three games in their 1982 World Cup but failed to progress, while New Zealand suffered the same fate after drawing three times in the 2010 World Cup.Cape Verde’s success extends beyond this unique history. They are also the first country to qualify for their first World Cup since Slovakia’s success in 2010, and the first to go unbeaten in the group stage since Senegal played in 2002.
Vozinha also presents another powerful performance
Much of Cape Verde’s success has been attributed to the incredible performances of veteran midfielder Vozinha, whose competitive streak has turned him into one of the World Cup’s most promising players.
Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha (1) celebrates after the World Cup Group H soccer match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The 40-year-old produced another impressive display against Saudi Arabia to keep a clean sheet. He first denied Mohamed Kanno in first-half stoppage time with a dangerous header before producing a brilliant header in the 66th minute to push away Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat’s effort. By stoppage time, with qualification hanging in the balance, he made a last-gasp stop to deny Abdullah Al-Hamdan in the 92nd minute.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Houston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The star’s performance in the competition has attracted worldwide attention, which helped him gain more than 16 million Instagram followers during the previous campaign in Cape Verde.Watching proudly from the top row was his mother, Ana Candida Évora, who held up a small Cape Verdean flag throughout the game. It was his second appearance at the tournament after visa issues prevented him from watching his seven-year-old son’s memorable performance against Spain in the group stage.
From outsiders to World Cup giants
Few have given Cape Verde a good chance of surviving a group that includes Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia before the tournament begins. Instead, the Blue Sharks left the opening round undefeated after upsetting one former world champion and denying another, becoming one of the biggest stories of the tournament.Spain finished top of Group H with seven points following victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay after their opener against Cape Verde. The Blue Sharks took second place with three points, ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to continue their historic journey.Their next challenge will be reigning world champions Argentina. On paper, Lionel Messi’s team will start as favourites, but Cape Verde has already shown in this tournament that history alone does not mean much once the game starts.
