HOUSTON (AP):Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation."We are small," he said. "But we have big hearts and we are fighters."Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw, a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.

The nation of just 500,000 people has defied the odds to reach the knockout rounds, delighting Cape Verdeans in Australia.

Cape Verde is through to the World Cup knockout stage in its tournament debut. A 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia sealed an incredible run after holding Spain national football team and…

Analysis of Cape Verde against Saudi Arabia at the 2026 World Cup

African nation becomes smallest country ever to earn a place in the knockout stages of a World Cup.

Cape Verde, with a population of roughly 525,000, became the smallest country to reach the World Cup knockout round after drawing Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi

Grouped with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, it seemed unlikely this small island nation would make it through to the next round. But as its national team coach told CNA's…

Cape Verde's incredible World Cup debut continues as they secured a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, propelling them into the knockout stages. This historic achievement, fueled by…

Cape Verde advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup on their debut appearance following a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia on Friday night in Houston.

Cape Verde entered its first World Cup as the underdog and the tiniest nation. The tournament’s darlings have made history as they move on to the round of 32.

Cape Verde, making its FIFA World Cup debut, earned three points in Group H and advanced to the knockout stage in second place

Cabo Verde has secured the most unlikely spot in the World Cup knockouts, and the nation of 500,000 people is daring to dream.

The smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup is now celebrating as they've made it through to the knockout stages.

June 26 : Cape Verde coach Bubista walked into his press conference draped in his country's flag, a man of few words tasked with explaining how one of football's smallest nations…

The tiny nation off the African coast advanced to the Round of 32 behind Spain in Group H with three points after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw. | Sports News

Cape Verde secured a historic spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a third consecutive group-stage draw, setting up a Round of 32 clash with Argentina.

From tournament outsiders to Round of 32 qualifiers, Cape Verde have become one of the greatest underdog stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. | Football News

Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the

World Cup debutants Cape Verde draw with Saudi Arabia, securing a knockout round spot against reigning champions Argentina. Follow their fairytale journey!

Cape Verde makes history as the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout stage, showcasing resilience and talent.

The smallest nation ever to reach the knockouts, Cape Verde somehow survived a group including Spain and Uruguay