Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in their final group H match on 26/6. This result, combined with Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay, secured the African representative second place in the group with 3 points, 1 point ahead of Uruguay and the Asian representative, earning them a spot in the round of 16.

Coach Bubista holds the Cape Verde national flag, celebrating with fans after the 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in their final group H match at the 2026 World Cup in Houston, Texas, US on 26/6. *Photo: AP*

This marks Cape Verde's first World Cup appearance in history. With a population of only about 525,000 people, the island nation off the west coast of Africa becomes the smallest country by population to ever reach the men's World Cup knockout stage.

Cape Verde's next opponent is defending champion Argentina, the group J winner, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on 3/7. "Facing Argentina is a source of pride," coach Bubista said. "We have a long-standing connection with Argentina because many Cape Verdeans have migrated there. Regardless of the opponent, we will play with the right attitude and a sense of responsibility."

The Cape Verde coach noted that Argentina possesses some of the best players in the world, including the historical number one, Lionel Messi. "We understand the difficulties ahead, but we always try to overcome them without fear, with the necessary discipline," he added.

Bubista also believes Cape Verde's journey proves that small nations can still achieve miracles, provided they have focus, determination, and good organization. "We have proven that nothing is impossible," he declared. "We represent our country, Africa, and all small nations with big aspirations."

The 56-year-old coach appeared at the press conference with the Cape Verde flag draped over his shoulders. He assessed that the team executed their plan correctly against Saudi Arabia, limiting dangerous counter-attacks while still creating more opportunities than their opponent. The coach stated that even when attacking, Cape Verde wants the team to maintain balance. The national team plays according to its identity and fears no one. This demonstrates the character of this squad.

Goalkeeper Vozinha and forward Dailon Livramento celebrate Cape Verde securing a spot in the round of 16 after their 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in the final group H match at the 2026 World Cup in Houston on 26/6. *Photo: AP*

A highlight of Cape Verde's achievement is 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who kept two clean sheets. He also admitted that Cape Verde is a small country, but it has a big heart and always fights. "Many might think Cape Verdean players aren't good enough, but we are here to prove our quality and ability to compete in major tournaments," he said.

After the final whistle, Cape Verde's players had to wait a few more minutes to follow the developments of the Spain-Uruguay match. Upon learning of Uruguay's defeat and elimination, the entire team and fans erupted in emotion. Many cried in the stands after this historic milestone.

Cape Verde also set several memorable milestones. They are the first newcomer team to advance past the World Cup group stage since Slovakia in 2010 and the first new World Cup participant to remain undefeated in all three group stage matches since Senegal in 2002.

Bubista's team drew 0-0 with championship contender Spain in their opening match, then drew 2-2 with Uruguay before concluding the group stage with a draw against Saudi Arabia. This series of results extended Cape Verde's unbeaten streak to 9 matches across all competitions.

According to Bubista, after the first match, the entire team began to believe they could make history. Before the 2026 World Cup began, he once said: "Everyone has the right to dream."

After the team's first appearance in the knockout stage, he affirmed that he never doubted Cape Verde's potential. "I always said that sooner or later Cape Verde would be here. It might have been difficult to predict it happening right now, but I always believed that day would come," he emphasized.

By Hoang An (O Jogo, ESPN)