Historic success at the World Cup: Qualified for the round of 32 in their debut without a single win
Making history in their first-ever World Cup appearance, Cape Verde advanced to the round of 32 by finishing Group H undefeated. The African representative, which left Uruguay and Saudi Arabia behind, became the next opponent of the defending champions, Argentina. During the match, a health scare involving Saudi Arabian player Hassan Al Tambakti caused brief concern.
Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia faced off in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match ended in a goalless draw, a result that opened the doors to the round of 32 for Cape Verde.
Competing in the World Cup for the first time, the "Blue Sharks" finished all three of their group stage matches in draws. With three points, the African side secured second place behind Spain and punched their ticket to the knockout stage.
URUGUAY AND SAUDI ARABIA ELIMINATED FROM THE TOURNAMENT
Cape Verde finished ahead of Uruguay, a two-time World Cup winner, and Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup. Both teams finished the group with 2 points and were eliminated from the tournament.
Managed by Pedro Leitao Brito, Cape Verde will face the reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, in the round of 32 at Miami Stadium.
UNDEFEATED SUCCESS IN THEIR FIRST TOURNAMENT
Located off the coast of West Africa and consisting of 10 islands with a population of under 525 thousand, Cape Verde completed the group stage of their first-ever World Cup without a single defeat.
Ranking among the smallest countries to participate in the tournament after Curaçao and Iceland, Cape Verde had previously secured their World Cup ticket by finishing as group leaders in the African qualifiers ahead of Cameroon and Angola.
MADE WORLD CUP HISTORY
Cape Verde became the second team to successfully advance from the group stage in their debut World Cup appearance, following Slovakia.
Brito's squad also became the first team since Chile in the 1998 World Cup to advance to the knockout stage after finishing the group stage with three draws.
AL TAMBAKTI CAUSES ALARM
In the 30th minute of the match, Saudi Arabian defender Hassan Al Tambakti collapsed while there were no opposing players around him.
Following initial intervention by medical teams, the 27-year-old footballer was carried off the pitch on a stretcher. Ali Lajami replaced Al Tambakti in the game.
News Source: 12punto
Most Read
Historic words from Özgür Özel at the CHP group meeting
Air Force Academy student Veli Bilgin has died
Striking picture for Özgür Özel's 'New Party'
The PKK opening and Özgür Özel’s path!..
How did the newspapers view Özgür Özel's farewell to the CHP?
He killed his wife by slitting her throat: Their children witnessed the moments
Tuncer Bakırhan calls for a framework law
Here are the names that will be in Özgür Özel's new party!
What did the CHP do?
Kılıçdaroğlu's first message on Özgür Özel's new party announcement