Cape Verde to face Argentina in World Cup knockouts after drawing with Saudi Arabia
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
World Cup debutants Cape Verde will play reigning champions Argentina in the knockout rounds after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston. This result, combined with Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay, secured Cape Verde's position as runners-up in Group H behind Spain. The archipelago nation, with a population of just over 500,000, drew all three of its group matches. They will now face Lionel Messi's Argentina in Miami on July 3. Cape Verde's coach Bubista expressed pride in his team's achievement, stating, "We are proud to get to this stage and again have showed the world that we are a small country but we fight for what we want." The team, the third-smallest in World Cup history by population, celebrated after confirmation of their advancement. Their journey included a 0-0 draw with European champions Spain and a 2-2 draw with two-time former champions Uruguay.
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Must ReadSeven African nations, including Morocco, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Cabo Verde, Senegal, and Ghana, have qualified for the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Morocco will play the Netherlands, while South Africa, making their first knockout stage appearance, will face Canada. Côte d’Ivoire is set to play the Group I runners-up. Egypt will meet Australia, and tournament debutants Cabo Verde will challenge defending champions Argentina. Senegal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, and Ghana secured their spot before their final group match. Algeria and DR Congo still have a chance to qualify in their upcoming matches. The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams and a Round of 32.
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