Cape Verde reach knockout stage with three draws

Cape Verde reached the 2026 World Cup knockout stage after three draws in the group phase, ending Saudi Arabia 0-0 in Houston on the final day.

Francois Letexier took charge of the match at Houston Stadium, where Cape Verde collected a third stalemate in their first appearance at the tournament. The result left them on three points, enough to move on.

Few expected the side, grouped with Spain and Uruguay, to progress without a win. But Cape Verde kept their run alive with strong performances from keeper Vozinha and outfield players including Wagner Pina, Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes.

Uruguay were the other major casualty of the group. They drew with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, then lost to Spain in the simultaneous match, bringing an early exit in a section that produced one of the tournament's biggest surprises.