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Cape Verde becomes smallest country to reach World Cup knockouts

sportsJun 27, 2026383,661

Cape Verde completed an unbeaten group stage with three draws to become the smallest country in World Cup history to reach the Round of 32. The debutants recorded their first World Cup goal and first World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Spain, then finished group play unbeaten and advanced. Fans and players celebrated with manager Bubista as the island nation punched its ticket to the knockout round. Cape Verde will meet reigning champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in the Round of 32 in Miami next Saturday. The run echoes other surprise debutants; Cape Verde are the first World Cup debutants to go unbeaten in three group matches since Senegal in 2002. The achievement has sparked large celebrations at home and across the Cape Verdean diaspora.

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