Cape Verde break record as smallest nation to reach World Cup knockouts

Tiny Cape Verde have become the history makers of World Cup 2026 by defying all odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the knockout stages of the competition. Their improbable run through the group stage, with a third straight World Cup draw, was completed with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list Keeping goal for Cape Verde throughout has been Vozinha, 40, who has embodied the grit of his nation. “We are small, but we have big hearts and we are fighters,” said the goalkeeper, who last season played for Chaves in Portugal’s second tier. The island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on football’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw – a shock in itself to begin their campaign. They then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay – the winners of the inaugural World Cup in 1930. “The team was very eager to show this to the whole world,” Cape Verde coach Bubista said while draped in his country’s flag after the Saudi Arabia game. “We are proud of having arrived at this stage. We have shown that we are a small country, but that we fight for the things that we want to achieve.” Cape Verde’s three points put the team in second place behind Spain, which beat Uruguay on Friday night and won the group. Cape Verde will play reigning World Cup champion Argentina in Miami on July 3. …