Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE coverage of the Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia match in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, also broadcast live on JOJ Šport, kicks off at 02:00.

World Cup debutants Cape Verde are living the dream, remaining undefeated ahead of their final group stage match. Another draw, this time against Saudi Arabia, could secure a shocking advancement to the knockout stages. The on-paper underdogs have not only held their own in their first-ever World Cup appearance but are now in a strong position to qualify.

The draw was not kind to them, pitting them against one of the tournament favorites, Spain, in their opening match. However, they displayed incredible grit and a rock-solid defense to grind out a sensational 0-0 draw, despite registering their only shot on target in the final minute of the game.

Their second match presented another formidable opponent in South American powerhouse Uruguay. Unfazed by the big name, the African team even scored their historic first-ever World Cup goal after 20 minutes, courtesy of midfielder Lenini. Cape Verde had a lapse in concentration at the very end of the first half, conceding twice in the sixth minute of stoppage time, which certainly rattled them. Nevertheless, they managed to equalize for a final score of 2-2 after the hour mark and had a bit of luck when a Uruguayan goal was disallowed. They limited the favorites to just two shots on target, and their defense once again earned high praise.

However, the coach will have to address squad selection issues ahead of the crucial duel, as Arcanjo and Jovane Cabral are doubtful due to injuries, while defensive pillar Lopes Cabral is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.

The Saudi Arabian team are no newcomers to the world stage. The national team debuted at the World Cup back in 1994 and immediately caused a huge surprise by advancing from the group stage in second place, ahead of Morocco and Belgium. They haven't been as successful since, with their next five appearances all ending in the group stage. Four years ago, they shocked the football world by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening match, but even that historic triumph wasn't enough to see them through.

They've shown their fighting spirit in this tournament as well, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay in their first match, only losing their late first-half lead ten minutes before the final whistle.

Against European giants Spain, however, they were clearly outmatched. They were already three goals down before the first-half cooling break, couldn't keep up with their opponents, and managed only three shots and a single corner. They had to be relieved the 4-0 defeat wasn't worse. Despite this thrashing, they still have a chance to advance and know that any victory will guarantee it, providing immense motivation for the team.

These two nations have never faced each other before, and their historic first meeting could be an exceptionally tight affair. With the pressure of potential qualification looming, a more cautious, tactical, and nervy game can be expected from both sides, as neither team will want to risk opening up their defense.