World Cup debutant Cape Verde continues fairy-tale run to knockouts

The fairy-tale for Cape Verde continues as the tournament debutants proceeds to the knockout stage.

Cape Verde, located off the coast of West Africa with a population of just over 500,000, entered the Cup as a small nation with little expectations, and showed the world in an exhilarating performance that it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Friday’s match-up with Saudi Arabia resulted in a 0-0 draw, and some sharp saves from Cape Verde’s side.

After the final whistle, instead of celebrating, the team circled up around phones awaiting the result of Spain’s faceoff with Uruguay.

Moments later, its dream came true: Spain won 1-0, meaning Cape Verde finished in second place in Group H, securing its place in the round of 32.

Firas al-Buraikan of Saudi Arabia in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. — Firas al-Buraikan of Saudi Arabia in action during the match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium, on Friday. Hakan Akgun / Anadolu via Getty Images

The Houston stadium exploded with thundering applause, fans in blue jerseys and cheeks painted with the Cape Verdean flag cheering with joy.

Goalie Josmiar “Vozinha” Dias’ mother was seen dancing, wearing her son’s pink jersey, in the stands.

Dailon Livramento #19 and Vozinha #1 of Cabo Verde celebrate after the 0-0 draw during Cabo Verde v Saudi Arabia. — Dailon Livramento #19 and Vozinha #1 of Cape Verde celebrate after the 0-0 draw.Francois Nel / Getty Images

Their story captured the hearts of fans across the world after Cape Verde’s stunning opening game against Spain, where Dias stonewalled the Spanish. That game skyrocketed him to fame from some 50,000 to nearly 10 million Instagram followers in a day. (He’s now at nearly 17 million.)

Afterward, in an emotional interview, he shared his heartbreak on his mother being unable to attend due to visa cost issues. U.S. officials later waived her visa fees and she reunited with Vozinha at his Miami match against Uruguay.

Cape Verde is the first World Cup debutant to advance to the knockout stage since Slovakia in 2010. The nation joins a cohort of several African nations advancing to the round of 32, joining Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa.

Now, Cape Verde will face the defending champion, Argentina.

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