Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round

Saturday, 27 June 2026

Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout round following a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia.

The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on soccer’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay.

Cape Verde’s three points put the team in second place behind Spain, which beat Uruguay 1-0 and won the group.

Cape Verde will play reigning World Cup champions Argentina in Miami on July 3.

The country has a population of just over 500,000, about the same size as Wellington or Christchurch.