CORNERFLICK
Cape Verde were the only side at the 2026 World Cup to stop both finalists, Spain and Argentina, from winning inside 90 minutes.
They first frustrated Spain in the group stage, producing a disciplined display to earn a 0-0 draw. It was one of the few slips on Spain’s route to the final.
Cape Verde then met Argentina in the round of 16 and matched the defending champions again. The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, before Argentina edged through 3-2 after extra time.
With Argentina and Spain now set to meet in the final, Cape Verde’s results stand out even more. No other team in the tournament kept both finalists from winning in normal time.
Although Cape Verde were eventually knocked out, their performances against two of world football’s biggest sides have secured them a place among the tournament’s surprise packages.