Cape Verde break record as smallest nation to reach World Cup knockouts
Key takeaways
- Cape Verde set sights on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in last 32 as dream run continues at 2026 edition of FIFA’s showpiece.
- Their improbable run through the group stage, with a third straight World Cup draw, was completed with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.
- Keeping goal for Cape Verde throughout has been Vozinha, 40, who has embodied the grit of his nation.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Cape Verde set sights on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in last 32 as dream run continues at 2026 edition of FIFA’s showpiece.
xwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogle Add Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Cape Verde coach Pedro Brito celebrates after his side qualifed for the knockout stages of the World Cup [Phil Noble/Reuters]By The Associated Press and Al Jazeera staff and The Associated Press Published On 27 Jun 202627 Jun 2026Tiny Cape Verde have become the history makers of World Cup 2026 by defying all odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
Their improbable run through the group stage, with a third straight World Cup draw, was completed with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.