Doha: Cape Verde secured a historic place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final Group H match at Houston Stadium in the United States on Friday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the result was enough to send Cape Verde through as the group's runners-up with three points from three successive draws in their maiden World Cup appearance. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, exited the tournament at the bottom of the standings with two points, having drawn twice and lost once.
Needing nothing less than victory to advance, Saudi Arabia dominated large spells of the contest but failed to convert their chances. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha delivered an outstanding performance, producing a series of crucial saves to frustrate the Saudi attack.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was also called into action, making a superb save to deny substitute Laros Duarte in a one-on-one situation in the 74th minute and preserve the deadlock.
Cape Verde's qualification marks a landmark achievement for the African side, who progressed to the knockout stage in their first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign despite failing to win a match, with three draws proving sufficient to secure a historic place in the last 32.