Cape Verde's Nuno da Costa celebrates advancing to the next round with the fans. © ANSA / SAM WASSON

Perfect sensation: Cape Verde continues

The FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico has produced its first major upset. The island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of around 600.000, secured their place in the round of 32 with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston on Saturday night, marking their debut at the tournament.

June 27, 2026

From: apa/dpa/sn

With three points, the massive underdog finished second in Group H behind Spain and ahead of Uruguay (two points) and will face defending champion Argentina next Saturday (0:00).

Saudi Arabia finished last with two points. Although the 2034 World Cup hosts needed a win in their final group match, they offered little in attack. This marked the first time in 20 years that a World Cup debutant had advanced to the knockout stage.

Cape Verde sensationally made it to the knockout stage. © APA/afp / RONALDO SCHEMIDT

Spain, as expected, secured first place in Group H. The European champions deservedly beat Uruguay 1-0 (1-0) in Guadalajara, sealing the South Americans' early exit. A blunder by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera on a shot from Alex Baena (42nd minute) proved decisive. In the round of 32, the Iberians will face the runner-up from Group J, either Austria or Algeria.

Heads hanging low: Uruguay is out. © APA/afp / ULISES RUIZ

Uruguay has been eliminated from the XXL tournament after another disgraceful performance. The two-time world champions, after a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia and a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde, did not accumulate enough points to qualify for the knockout stage as the third-placed team in their group.