Cape Verde, unbeaten at its first World Cup, closes group play against Saudi Arabia on Friday, June 26 in Houston. A win would send the Blue Sharks to the round of 32, while a draw could be enough if Spain defeats Uruguay. After stunning results against Spain
HOUSTON — Walking out of the tunnel at NRG Stadium on Thursday and onto the field. Cape Verde players took their time. Defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes strolled from one end line to the other. Defender Diney Borges reached down to touch the center line. brought his fingers to his lips and traced a cross over his chest. Backup goalkeeper CJ dos Santos knelt in the spot where the goal usually stands and placed his fist in the grass.
“This is the biggest stage that we have at the World Cup. You have to enjoy every day,” Lopes said. “To be here is a privilege and we just want to try prolong that as long as we can.”
For the Cape Verde Blue Sharks. the next step of what’s already being called a fairytale World Cup journey is set for Friday. June 26 in Houston when they play their final group-stage match against Saudi Arabia. Their situation is simple. even if the pressure isn’t: Cape Verde will advance to the round of 32 with a win. A draw would also be enough if Spain beats Uruguay in the game that kicks off at the same time Friday night.
The stakes are sharp for both teams. Saudi Arabia can still advance with a win over Cape Verde and a Uruguay loss or tie.
Cape Verde arrives unbeaten, and it hasn’t come from luck. The Blue Sharks shocked the world by holding Spain to a scoreless draw and playing Uruguay to a 2-2 draw. Their run has turned 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha into an international sensation. while also spiking tourism interest in the tiny West African island.
“This once again shows that everyone is entitled to dream and nothing is impossible,” said Cape Verde coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista. “If we did it, then any other country in the world is capable of doing the same.”
As the match draws closer, the attention around the team has become tangible. Tickets for the Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia game were selling for more than $500 on the resale market as of Thursday evening, and some prices exceeded $1,000.
Lopes. the Irish-born defender recruited on LinkedIn to play for Cape Verde. said the surge of support has been bigger than the team expected. “The support’s been absolutely amazing, not just from Cape Verdeans,” he said. “Just walking out there on the pitch, we hope we’ll make it a little more special tomorrow.”.
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis, watching Cape Verde’s performances unfold from the outside, described the threat in practical terms. “Cape Verde is one of the surprises of this tournament,” Donis said. “They are a strong team. they are an athletic team and what impressed me is the fact that in both matches. both against Spain and Uruguay. the difference was that low block and they were very determined. very strong in challenges. They are a dangerous team when playing in the open field. We definitely know this is a tough game. On the other hand, I am a firm believer in our own team.”.
For Cape Verde. the part that feels most striking to their fans may be the part that feels most familiar to the players. Their identity isn’t just something they carry—it shows up in how they talk. The national team reflects the island’s identity. a nation of immigrants and dreamers who view resilience as part of their DNA.
Lopes, whose father is Cape Verdean, has added “Cape Verde national team” to his LinkedIn bio. He said he’s been getting better at speaking Cape Verdean Creole and credits island-born teammates with helping him learn about his heritage and the country’s culture.
“I think there is a sort of self belief and a confidence within our team that we are good enough to compete with the best teams in the world,” Lopes said. “Was it easy? No, but we never stopped believing.”
Friday brings added pressure, but Lopes and Bubista said they’re approaching the match the same way they approached Spain and Uruguay—because the group stage already forced Cape Verde to prove its belief under real conditions.
Both men also pointed beyond their own moment. With Cape Verde flirting with history, they want smaller nations watching to take something from it.
“I think that football belongs to everyone and is for everyone. It does not belong only to wealthier countries,” Bubista said. “I hope that our participation being a small and poor country can be a reference model for other small and poor countries like ourselves.”
In Houston, the story now turns on a result that will decide whether Cape Verde’s unbeaten start becomes a knockout-stage run—or something they’ll still carry, even if the door closes on this World Cup at the group-stage finish line.
Cape Verde Saudi Arabia World Cup NRG Stadium Houston group stage round of 32 Spain Uruguay Vozinha Roberto Pico Lopes Pedro Leitão Brito Bubista