Cape Verde has qualified for the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The island nation finished second in Group H after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
It's a historic moment for the African debutants. Cape Verde becomes the first World Cup newcomer to reach the knockout stage since 2010.
The Blue Sharks dominated Saudi Arabia throughout the match. Willy Semedo and Kevin Pina both came close to scoring in regulation time.
Laros Duarte had a clear chance in the second half. Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais made a crucial save to keep the game scoreless.
Spain topped the group with seven points after beating ten-man Uruguay 1-0. Alex Baena scored the decisive goal for La Furia Roja.
Cape Verde will now face defending champions Argentina in the knockout round. Their opponent awaits them in the round of 32.
Egypt also advanced as the fourth African nation to reach this stage. The Pharaohs drew 1-1 with Iran in their final group match.
Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead early in the contest. Ramin Rezaeian equalized for Iran to secure a point for his side.
Egypt finished with five points from their group matches. Belgium claimed top spot in the same group despite accumulating identical points.
Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to finish first. Leandro Trossard bagged two goals, while Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net.
The Red Devils' superior goal difference gave them the group lead. Both teams ended on five points.
