RIYADH: Not many expected Saudi Arabia to still be in contention for a direct place in the Round of 32 heading into the final matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Then again, few expected Group H to unfold the way it has.
The expectation before the tournament was straightforward: Spain and Uruguay would arrive at the final matchday on six points, leaving Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde to battle for a slim chance as one of the best third-place teams.
Instead, Saudi Arabia took a point off Uruguay, Cape Verde stunned Spain with a draw and then held Uruguay again, leaving all four teams with something to play for.
Now, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde meet at Houston’s NRG Stadium on June 27, while Spain face Uruguay in Zapopan. The permutations are remarkable.
