People wave Cape Verde flags on a street ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, in Praia, Cape Verde, on June 26, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

Cape Verde’s storybook ride now has a chance of reaching the knockout stage, depending largely on how its group stage finale against Saudi Arabia goes. 

Cape Verde is one of the absolute feel-good stories of the World Cup, a tiny island nation with two draws in its two matches to this point.

A showdown with the Saudis awaits Friday in Houston and it’s possible that, if Cape Verde advances, it could be back in Miami Gardens for a round-of-32 game — potentially against Lionel Messi and defending World Cup champion Argentina.

(With inputs from agencies)

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