Cape Verde continued their remarkable FIFA World Cup debut by reaching the Round of 32 after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston. The result secured second place in the group and set up a blockbuster meeting with defending champions Argentina. The African nation completed one of the tournament’s biggest surprises despite failing to score. Cape Verde finished with three points after drawing all three group matches. Spain topped the group with seven points after beating Uruguay 1-0, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both exited with two points. The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations among Cape Verde’s players, coaches and supporters. Players gathered around their phones to monitor the outcome of Spain’s victory over Uruguay before celebrating qualification together. Historic Night for Cape Verde The celebrations continued long after the match ended. Supporters beat drums inside Houston Stadium as players wrapped themselves in national flags and posed for photographs on the pitch. The achievement marked another milestone for the island nation of around 500,000 people, which is making its first appearance at a men’s FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde celebrate history. 🇨🇻 Fans and players together after sealing a historic knockout qualification on their World Cup debut. Pure emotion. ❤️#WorldCupwithMicky#CapeVerde pic.twitter.com/lHSmGwh9eC — Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 27, 2026   Cape Verde looked the more dangerous side throughout the match. However, the team failed to convert several clear chances despite dominating large periods of play. Laros Duarte missed the best opportunity when he found himself one on one with Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais but failed to finish. Both teams started with urgency because qualification remained within reach. However, misplaced passes and mistimed tackles disrupted the game’s rhythm during the opening half. Willy Semedo produced Cape Verde’s first notable effort after cutting inside from the left before firing from a tight angle. The Africans gradually increased the pressure and controlled possession. Saudi Arabia Exit After Disappointing Campaign Saudi Arabia produced their first shot on target only in first half stoppage time. Mohamed Kanno directed a header straight at Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. The match also carried an emotional moment for Vozinha. His mother watched him from the stands after arriving late in the United States because of delays linked to the cost of obtaining a US visa. Cape Verde dominated the second half and finished with 15 attempts on goal. Yet the team lacked composure in the final third and could not find the breakthrough. Saudi Arabia struggled to threaten throughout the match. The Green Falcons rarely tested Cape Verde’s defence and finished the tournament with just one goal from three group matches. The draw proved enough for Cape Verde to extend its fairytale run. The debutants now face defending champions Argentina in the knockout stage, where they will attempt to produce another historic upset. Spain advanced as group winners with seven points following their victory over Uruguay. Cape Verde claimed second place with three draws. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia bowed out after collecting two points each.