Cape Verde secured a historic place in the Round of 32 after holding Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 draw in their final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks collected the point they needed to finish second in the group, while Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay confirmed their qualification for the knockout stage in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Saudi Arabia pushed hard for a winning goal, but Cape Verde defended with discipline throughout the match. Willy Semedo, Dailon Livramento and Jamiro Monteiro all threatened, while Mohammed Al-Owais produced several important saves. After the break, Kevin Lenini, Ryan Mendes and substitute L. Duarte also came close, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough.
Cape Verde stayed organized until the final whistle and celebrated one of the greatest moments in the country’s football history. The Blue Sharks completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign and advanced to the Round of 32 with confidence, while Saudi Arabia bowed out of the competition at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.
