Cape Verde Makes History: Reaches World Cup Knockout Stages
Debutants Cape Verde have etched their name into football history, advancing to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after securing progress as the tournament’s “stalemate kings.” The African side finished the group stage undefeated, following a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Having already stunned the world with draws against giants Spain (0-0) and Uruguay (2-2), Cape Verde relied on their disciplined defense once more to clinch second place in Group H with three points. Their historic advancement was facilitated by Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay, a result that cleared the path for the Blue Sharks to reach the knockout rounds in their very first World Cup appearance.
Defending Champions Await
While Cape Verde lacked the clinical edge to secure a win against Saudi Arabia, their primary mission is accomplished. However, the prize for their bravery is a daunting one: they will face defending world champions Argentina on July 3 in the Round of 32.
Spain topped Group H with seven points, thanks to a 42nd-minute strike from Álex Baena that sank Uruguay. The South American side and Saudi Arabia were both eliminated after finishing with just two points each.
Domination and Drama Across the Groups
As the final group stage matches intensify, several heavyweights confirmed their spots in the next round. In Group I, France asserted their dominance with a 4-2 victory over Norway in Foxborough. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé was the star of the show, netting a first-half hat-trick to join teammate Kylian Mbappé at the top of the tournament scoring charts with four goals.
In the same group, Senegal kept their hopes alive as one of the best third-placed teams by thrashing Iraq 5-0. Playing against 10 men for most of the match, Senegal surged to a vital victory in Toronto, leaving Iraq to exit the tournament without a single point.
In Group G, Belgium captured the top spot after a convincing 5-1 rout of New Zealand. Leandro Trossard bagged a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also found the net. Egypt, who had already qualified before kick-off due to favorable results in other groups, played out a 1-1 draw with Iran to finish second.
The Road to the Round of 32
With three groups left to play, the knockout bracket is nearly complete. Alongside Cape Verde and the major European powers, Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana, Portugal, and England have all officially secured their progression.
To date, 28 teams have confirmed their places in the Round of 32, including tournament hosts Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The final four spots will be decided today as Groups J, K, and L conclude their fixtures. Meanwhile, the dream has ended for 12 nations, including Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and World Cup newcomers Jordan and Curaçao.
Image: Pexels – Omar Ramadan
