After the latest group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded, Cape Verde made a phenomenal history – they became the smallest country by land area and population to reach the knockout stage in FIFA World Cup history. With Curaçao's elimination, this record was officially set.
Among all participating national teams in this FIFA World Cup, only Curaçao, as one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a smaller area and population than Cape Verde.
In the final group stage match, Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. With this crucial draw, the team from CAF successfully advanced as group runner-up, proudly entering the Round of 32 knockout stage.
This achievement is particularly significant for Cape Verde, participating in the FIFA World Cup for the first time. They created a surprise at the start of this tournament – in their first match against pre-tournament favorites Spain, the team staunchly defended, drawing 0-0 with their opponent, causing an upset. In their second match, they played a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, demonstrating strong competitiveness.
After three group stage matches, Cape Verde remained undefeated, ranking second in the group with 3 points, only behind Spain, and one point ahead of Uruguay, successfully emerging from the "group of death." Meanwhile, Uruguay lost to Spain in the same round, directly confirming their elimination, exiting the group stage along with Saudi Arabia.
Richardoghale
0
It won't be easy for your goat that day
Too easy boy
Richardoghale
0
Football is a game of luck not by name or who is your favorite
Shut up, der tell you say sabi no day
Richardoghale
0
Thats had being arrange by FIFA's to gave Argentine easy wins for the next round until atleast Argentine quarter-final....we already knew bout it.earlier.dudes.
Mumu
Richardoghale
0
hope Argentina don't be the lesson. over the years football is a sport that is so unpredictable
[image]
Not in this case, dreamer
rumdknptu
0
ìï
Dacbdekmty
0
It pains me that their next game is against the GOAT, else I would have loved to see them go far, I'm sorry cape Verde, I love the GOAT more.
Football is a game of luck not by name or who is your favorite
Pakbcdekm
1
hi
United18
0
Argentina 🇦🇷 will teach them a lesson
hope Argentina don't be the lesson. over the years football is a sport that is so unpredictable
Dreams_cant_be_buy
0
Argentina 🇦🇷 will teach them a lesson
no bro, why teach them a lesson- they defended beautifully without bad fouls. We will beat them but we will treat them with same respect we would give other great teams
Dedakmosyz
0
Cabo Verde set the stage for becoming the first country in the history of the world cup to win the world cup by drawing all their games and winning in penalties. Draw kings supreme. Africa is proud.
not first. they are 2nd to do it
lieutenant1999
0
Argentina 🇦🇷 will teach them a lesson
DMass
0
Congratulations 🎊 👏 💐 🥳
HUDHUD970
1
Now we dey wait for DR Congo 🇨🇩
HUDHUD970
0
now we dey wait for DR Congo 🇨🇩
Constantinetino
0
That surprise wow
husbdekmry
0
congratulations to Cape Verde
KeamPen
0
Thats had being arrange by FIFA's to gave Argentine easy wins for the next round until atleast Argentine quarter-final....we already knew bout it.earlier.dudes.
Why the F are you so delusional?🤦🏻♂️
Yeuackmoru
0
Thats had being arrange by FIFA's to gave Argentine easy wins for the next round until atleast Argentine quarter-final....we already knew bout it.earlier.dudes.
Read if you want, but don't believe it😅😅😅
Amaraonyedot
0
I'll come back here after the game and say Hi to you.
Ok
SMHellas
0
To quote Stiffler, "That...was awesome..."
Beudemrsu
0
Thats had being arrange by FIFA's to gave Argentine easy wins for the next round until atleast Argentine quarter-final....we already knew bout it.earlier.dudes.
that means you already know, Uruguay eliminated at the group stage and cape Verde drew with Spain..what astrologist you are!!! just explain why some group winner will play against 3rd place another group?
Abuela
0
It won't be easy for your goat that day
I'll come back here after the game and say Hi to you.
Zuwbdmrstz
1
ni
Nabbcmsz
1
proud African
Amaraonyedot
0
It pains me that their next game is against the GOAT, else I would have loved to see them go far, I'm sorry cape Verde, I love the GOAT more.
It won't be easy for your goat that day
abwahab
0
hi
MuruganRajappan
0
Congrats....keep it up
Nezaensuz
1
Thats had being arrange by FIFA's to gave Argentine easy wins for the next round until atleast Argentine quarter-final....we already knew bout it.earlier.dudes.
vemeklmops
2
Go to all
Gaimunrei
0
congratulations 🎉
Abuela
0
It pains me that their next game is against the GOAT, else I would have loved to see them go far, I'm sorry cape Verde, I love the GOAT more.
bemalnopuy
0
Cabo Verde set the stage for becoming the first country in the history of the world cup to win the world cup by drawing all their games and winning in penalties. Draw kings supreme. Africa is proud.
😭🤣
Zuwbdmrstz
2
Quite
Bepaciknry
1
Congratulations🎉🎉
Dedlptz
0
congratulations 👏
Shalom109
0
congratulations
wudeklortz
1
congratulations Cape Very Africa is proud of you 💙
QueriisFiasi
3
Cabo Verde set the stage for becoming the first country in the history of the world cup to win the world cup by drawing all their games and winning in penalties. Draw kings supreme. Africa is proud.
boucdert
0
Good for football, records being broken. Dembele broke records too: first African player to score hatrick in the group stage, first player to score hatrick for other people's country in the group stage. Deserves d'or.
tisepstz
2
truly deserves it