FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group H
Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final Group H match.
Playing in their first-ever World Cup, the African nation produced another disciplined defensive display to secure the point they needed to advance. Saudi Arabia, who required a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, dominated possession and created several promising chances but were unable to find a way past Cape Verde’s resilient back line and goalkeeper.
Group H Results
- Spain 1-0 Uruguay
- Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia
Final Group H Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Cape Verde | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Uruguay | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Cape Verde completed the group stage unbeaten, drawing 0-0 with Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. The remarkable campaign was enough to secure second place in Group H and a place in the Round of 32.
With a population of just over half a million, Cape Verde’s achievement ranks among the biggest success stories of the tournament. Qualifying for the knockout rounds in their maiden World Cup appearance marks a landmark moment in the country’s football history and underlines the growing strength of African football on the global stage.
Cape Verde will now face defending world champions Argentina in the Round of 32, where they will look to extend one of the tournament’s most inspiring underdog stories.
