The unbreakable gang
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 27.06.26. | 11:49
Cabo Verde have produced a historic, once-in-a-generation achievement that will be remembered for as long as the World Cup exists
Last October, they were the third-smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup, with a population of only around 500,000.
Eight months later, they are the smallest-ever nation to advance to the knockout phase of the World Cup!
Cabo Verde have mastered the game!
Take a bow, Cape Verde. 🇨🇻
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 27, 2026
The World Cup debutants, representing a country with a population less than 500,000, have finished second in Group H meaning they have qualified for the World Cup knockout stages - becoming the smallest nation to ever do so.
They'll face defending… pic.twitter.com/qGMjAcJkkv
Being one of the four debutants in the USA, Canada, and Mexico - alongside Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Curacao - the Blue Sharks' goal had been achieved with a mere World Cup qualification. Little did anyone expect that the manager Bubista and his lads wouldn't settle for anything less.
When they were drawn in the group with the two former World champions, Spain and Uruguay, and the seasoned World Cup participants, Saudi Arabia, the predictions were clear - bottom of the table.
However...
.jpg)
The opening draw against La Roja (0-0) hinted at a massive surprise, while everyone found out who Bubista, Vozinha, Roberto "Pico" Lopes, Kevin Lenini, Ryan Mendes, and Co. were overnight.
When many claimed they had used up all their luck, they drew 2-2 with Uruguay and became a genuine contender for the knockout phase. The win against Saudi Arabia guaranteed they would progress.
The Blue Sharks failed to record their maiden World Cup win, salvaging another goalless draw against a much more experienced side. Luckily for them, Spain took no prisoners against Uruguay, and the celebration on the pitch of the NRG Stadium in Houston could begin.
Así se enteraban los jugadores de Cabo Verde que habían clasificado a los 16vos. Qué hermoso es el mundial. https://t.co/APx4K0XIVm pic.twitter.com/71zefXjQQ9
— Fabipa (@fabipa90) June 27, 2026
Cabo Verde secured a place among the last 32 teams at the World Cup and scheduled a duel against the reigning World champions, Argentina, and the ruthless Lionel Messi! Despite being given just a 1% chance of progressing, they pulled it off
No one believed in Cape Verde. Quoted at 𝟏% to pass group stage at the World Cup. 530.000 population.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2026
…and 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐭. The celebration? 𝟏%! 𝟏%! 𝟏%! 😁🎶
History. 👏🏼🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/A9oMYE21pL
They became the first team to advance with three draws in the group stage since Chile 28 years ago. Most recently, New Zealand in 2014 and Iran at this World Cup pulled off the same feat, ending the group stage with neither a win nor a defeat. However, the Oceanian team failed to progress, while the Asian side could still achieve it tonight if other results go their way.
3 - Cabo Verde is the first team to advance from the group stage of a FIFA World Cup with three draws since Chile in 1998.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 27, 2026
Margins. pic.twitter.com/7hbQHJkoZ6
Cabo Verde were fortunate, yes. But has a team that has lost only one of its last 18 matches - against sides like Georgia, Cameroon, Finland, Serbia, and, of course, the three giants they faced in World Cup Group H - not deserved its share of luck?
Now, it's time to lock horns against those who are sitting on the throne - against Argentina.
And if on July 3 in Miami, Bubista outsmarts Lionel Scaloni, Vozinha keeps Messi quiet, Dailon Rocha Livramento stuns Emiliano Martinez, and the Blues Sharks write another chapter in the history books - will anyone be surprised?
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)
Group H
Saturday
Cabo Verde - Saudi Arabia 0-0
Uruguay - Spain 0-1 (0-1)
/Baena 42/