Cape Verde created history. (Photo- GETTY)
Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026: A fairy tale of football history has been written on the stage of FIFA World Cup 2026, which has won the hearts of fans all over the world. Cape Verde, a small country with a population of just over 5 lakhs situated on the west coast of Africa, has made it to the knockout (round of 32) round of the World Cup by playing a historic 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. With this draw, Cape Verde has become the smallest country in the world to qualify for the knockout stage in the history of the Football World Cup.
‘Blue Shark’ remained invincible in the group of giants
The Cape Verde team, playing its first FIFA Football World Cup, was placed in one of the toughest groups of the tournament. But this underdog team has earned the ticket to knockout by remaining undefeated without losing any match. In its first match, Cape Verde created a sensation by holding 2010 world champion Spain to a 0-0 draw. Then he made a brilliant comeback in the second match and played a thrilling 2-2 draw against two-time champion Uruguay. Now by holding Saudi Arabia 0-0, the team secured second place in the group with 3 points, while Spain topped the group by defeating Uruguay.
Who will compete in the Round of 32?
Now the Cape Verde team will face another big challenge in the great match of the Round of 32. In this match he will face the current world champion Argentina. This match will be played on July 3 on Miami grounds. Which will be a big moment for the Cape Verde team and the underdog team will be eyeing another upset and making it to the top-16.
40 year old goalkeeper Vojinha became a trouble-shooter
The biggest hero of this historic performance of Cape Verde was their 40 year old goalkeeper Vojinha. It is because of his magical performance in this World Cup that his popularity on social media is skyrocketing and the number of his followers on Instagram has crossed 16 million. In the match against Saudi Arabia, Wojinha made three astonishing saves which shocked Saudi Arabia. He prevented Saudi Arabia from taking the lead by stopping an excellent header from Mohammed Kanno in stoppage time of the first half. Then in the second half, he deflected a dangerous shot by Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat by jumping in the air. Even in the 92nd minute, Wojinha sealed his team’s knockout ticket by blocking a precise shot from Abdullah Al-Hamdan.
