Three Draws in Three Matches: Cape Verde Advances as Group Runner-Up, Next Up — Defending Champion Argentina

By Hu Jie, The Paper

On June 27, Beijing time, in the third round of Group H at the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, World Cup debutants Cape Verde faced Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia. The match ended 0-0, and Cape Verde advanced as group runners-up with three draws.

In the knockout stage, Cape Verde will face defending champion Argentina, who have already secured top spot in their group.

As a team making their first World Cup appearance, Cape Verde has far exceeded expectations. The African team, known as the "Blue Sharks," displayed remarkable tactical discipline and resilience in their first two rounds. They first held tournament favorites Spain to a 0-0 draw with tenacious defense, then drew 2-2 with South American heavyweights Uruguay.

Head coach Bubista said before the match: "We are a country with limited financial resources. We don't belong to the wealthy nations, so we are very satisfied to have this opportunity. We also hope that as a small, less affluent country, our participation can serve as a reference for others."

Saudi Arabia's situation was far more precarious. They drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their opener, but in the second round against a resurgent Spain, their defense completely collapsed in a 0-4 defeat. For Saudi Arabia, this match was a must-win.

Notably, the two teams had never faced each other in official competition before, making this a true "encounter match."

The first half saw no goals. In the 4th minute, Saudi Arabia's Abdulhamid was shown a yellow card for a sliding tackle on an opponent.

In the 9th minute, Cape Verde's Wagner was booked for striking Al-Dosari in the face with his arm.

In the 30th minute, Saudi Arabia suffered a defensive setback as Al-Tambakti was injured in a chase and carried off on a stretcher, replaced by Al-Rajami.

In the 45+2 minute, a Saudi cross from the right found Kanno in the box, whose header was saved by Vozinha — the first shot on target for either side.

In the second half, both sides made substitutions in search of a breakthrough. In the 75th minute, Cape Verde capitalized on a 3-on-2 counterattack, creating a one-on-one chance, but Laros's close-range shot was blocked by goalkeeper Al-Owais — the best scoring opportunity for either side up to that point.

Although the match between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia was not thrilling, the goalless draw earned Cape Verde a valuable point. With Uruguay losing 0-1 to Spain, Cape Verde finished with three draws and 3 points, advancing as group runners-up. They became the first team in this World Cup to reach the knockout stage with three group-stage draws. Of course, Group G, which kicks off at 11:00 Beijing time, could also replicate Cape Verde's miracle, with Iran potentially advancing with three draws as well.

Originally published by The Paper (澎湃新闻)