Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia played to a 0-0 draw in their final Group H match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium in Houston on June 26.
The result allowed the Cape Verdean national team, making its tournament debut, to advance to the knockout stage as runners-up while eliminating the Saudis. Both sides needed points to shape their group fates, leading to a cautious affair focused on qualification security rather than attacking flair.
No goals were scored in the match. Cape Verdean forward Wagner Pina came closest with a blocked effort in the second half, while Nuno da Costa fired wide after a mazy run; Saudi Arabia offered limited threat. The contest featured a defensively dominant first half with few clear chances, followed by a slightly more open but still goalless second half where Cape Verde controlled more territory without breaking through.
Cape Verde finished the group with three draws, three points, and a goal difference of 0, securing second place behind Spain. Saudi Arabia ended with two points and a negative goal difference at the bottom of the table. The Blue Sharks became the first African debutant to advance from the group stage without a win.
Cape Verde will face Argentina on July 3 in the round of 32.