After two draws, Cabo Verde seeks knockout round berth

Cabo Verde is seeking a place in the round of 32 after claiming its second historic draw against a former world champion on Sunday.

Agustin Canobbio (L) of Uruguay vies with Diney Borges of Cape Verde during the group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Miami Stadium, Miami, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Zijian)

The World Cup debutant is on the brink of reaching the knockout stage after following up its improbable goalless draw with 2010 winner Spain by taking a point from two-time champion Uruguay in a pulsating 2-2 draw.

"We're here to compete to try to achieve a new dream, which is to qualify for the second round, and I think it's legitimate to think that way," said Cabo Verde coach Bubista.

Cabo Verde, ranked 63rd in the world, will play its final Group H match against Saudi Arabia, and a victory will ensure qualification.

"We want to show the entire world that we are in the condition to fight for qualification, and I think that's what we showed in today's match," Bubista said.