See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy JAKE FENNER, US SPORTS WRITER Published: 04:35 BST, 27 June 2026 | Updated: 05:20 BST, 27 June 2026
The smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup is now celebrating as they've made it through to the knockout stages.Cape Verde, the African island nation with a population of fewer than 600,000, held on for a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia to finish second in a tightly contested Group H.Following the result, players huddled around a smart phone to watch the final result of Spain-Uruguay - the other game in the group.After full-time was blown and Uruguay had lost 1-0, the players celebrated on the pitch as fans in the stands jumped for joy.Meanwhile, back at home, videos of delirious supporters dancing went viral as the whole country cheered.Their manager, Bubista, was lifted into the sky by his staff as players raced over to a section of their fans in Houston Stadium to share in the glory. Cape Verde has clinched the knockouts after qualifying for the World Cup for the first timePlayers celebrated along with fans in the stands in Houston after the major achievement Back home, fans in Mindelo lit flares and danced in the streets over the achievement Up next for Cape Verde is a clash with Lionel Messi and Argentina in MiamiGoalkeeper Vozinha, who has become a cult hero at this World Cup, joined the celebrations as his mother - who was flown to the United States after she couldn't afford a visa - exuded joy and pride in a suite.While advancement is a serious achievement worth the reaction, the Blue Sharks will have an incredibly tough road ahead of them in the knockouts.Their next match just so happens to be against Lionel Messi and Argentina - the reigning and defending World Cup champions.Adding insult to injury, the match is being held in Miami - home of Messi's club, Inter Miami, and in the same stadium where Argentina won the Copa America in 2024.Cape Verde has a week to get themselves prepared for the biggest match in their nation's history when they kick off at 6:00pm ET on July 3.
