How Cape Verde became smallest country ever to clinch World Cup knockout stage spot

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One of four countries making its World Cup debut in 2026, Cape Verde could have simply been happy to be on the world stage. Instead, a draw against Spain in their opener served as the first indication that the small African nation wasn't planning to go quietly.

Cape Verde secured its first-ever trip to the knockout stage on Friday, finishing Group H play without any wins but without any losses and accumulating enough points to finish second in the group ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

The path ahead is difficult, as Cape Verde is slated to face reigning champion Argentina in the Round of 32, but the squad hasn't looked intimidated at any point in the tournament.

Here's a closer look at how Cape Verde surprisingly advanced.

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How Cape Verde advanced to first World Cup knockout stage

Cape Verde was one of four teams to make its World Cup debut in this tournament. The other three — Uzbekistan, Jordan and Curacao — are a combined 0-6 with two draws. Cape Verde likewise doesn't have a win, but it has more points (3) than Uzbekistan, Jordan and Curacao combined (2). 

The path wasn't easy for Cape Verde, either. Spain entered the World Cup as one of the favorites to win it all, while Uruguay was heavily favored to advance. Saudi Arabia won a game at each of the last two World Cups but looked overpowered against tiny Cape Verde.

The draw with Spain took just about everything Cape Verde had, as Spain dominated shots and time of possession, but the results against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia didn't look like a fluke. Cape Verde scored twice against Uruguay and had more shots on target before out-shooting Saudi Arabia 16-6 in a draw that could have easily been a victory. 

Once it became clear Uruguay wasn't in a position to win or draw against Spain, the celebration was on for Cape Verde:

Three points weren't enough to secure second place in most groups at this World Cup, but the cards fell the right way for Cape Verde. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also went winless, finishing with two points and one point, respectively. A win over Cape Verde by either team would have massively changed the complexion of Group H. Instead, Cape Verde held its own in all three matches.

MORE:What to know about Cape Verde, from location to size

Cape Verde World Cup history

This is Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup appearance. Cape Verde qualified by winning CAF Group D outright during World Cup qualifiers, going 7-1 with two draws and beating out Cameroon, among others. 

Cape Verde was the third-smallest country in terms of population to ever qualify for the World Cup and is the smallest to ever advance past the group stage. The island nation has a population of about 500,000.

The expanded field of 48 helped open up more lanes for new countries to qualify for the World Cup, but Cape Verde hasn't played anything like a team that is just fortunate to be on this stage with no losses to date. If that success is going to continue against Argentina, though, it will take a monumental effort from Cape Verde.

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