Cape Verde pulls off another stunner at World Cup, now in strong position to advance

Cape Verde is rapidly becoming one of the best stories at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After playing to a stunning draw with Spain in its World Cup opener, it pulled off another impressive draw on Sunday.

Cape Verde scored its first ever World Cup goal on its way to a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, setting up a massive conclusion to wrap up group play this upcoming week.

Cape Verde in great position to advance to knockout stage

By playing to a pair of draws to open the World Cup, Cape Verde has now put itself into a situation where a win against Saudi Arabia would send it through to the knockout stage. 

It is also possible that a draw could send it through, but a win is the simplest and easiest path.

And it is not out of the question. 

Saudi Arabia has not looked strong through its first two group stage matches, playing to a 1-1 draw against Uruguay and then getting blown out, 4-0, against Spain. 

Given the way Cape Verde has played so far against two world-wide powers, there has to be immense optimism flowing through the roster going into that match. 

The small island nation is playing in its first-ever World Cup, and on Sunday finally broke through with its first two goals. 

Kevin Pina delivered the first goal with an absolute rocket of a free kick.