2026 World Cup: Cape Verde’s full journey

A look back at Cape Verde’s historic run in the 2026 World Cup, their very first appearance, which ended after giving Argentina a real scare.

Drawn into Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks pulled off a sensational feat by remaining unbeaten in all three matches of their World Cup debut. Three draws were enough to secure second place with 3 points, making Cape Verde the smallest nation by population ever to reach the knockout stage.

Spain 0 - 0 Cape Verde
Cape Verde 2 - 2 Uruguay (Pina 21’, Varela 61’; Araujo 44’, Canobbio 45’+6)
Cape Verde 0 - 0 Saudi Arabia

Read also: AFCON 2028, 2032, 2036: CAF launches the race to host

Heroic resistance against Argentina, all the way to extra time

The first of four debutants at this World Cup to reach the round of 16, Cape Verde faced reigning champions Argentina. Led by Lionel Messi, the Blue Sharks came from behind twice before finally falling in extra time:

Argentina 3 - 2 Cape Verde a.e.t. (Messi 29’, L. Martínez 92’, Romero 111’; Duarte 59’, Cabral 103’)

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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