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.
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
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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
1
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
1
Quite
Bepaciknry
1
Congratulations🎉🎉
Dedlptz
0
congratulations 👏
Shalom109
0
congratulations
wudeklortz
1
congratulations Cape Very Africa is proud of you 💙
QueriisFiasi
2
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
1
truly deserves it