Updated: 2026-07-01 | Results and data follow FIFA’s official announcements; please reconfirm live information.
In the final Group H fixture of the 2026 World Cup, played at Houston Stadium, tournament debutants Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia cancelled each other out in a goalless 0-0 draw. With neither side able to afford a mistake, both played cautiously, and most of the drama came from the goalkeepers. Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti was stretchered off around the 33rd minute with an injury and replaced by Ali Lajami. In first-half stoppage time, Mohamed Kanno’s header was gathered by Cape Verde keeper Vozinha, and after the break Jamiro Monteiro and Laros Duarte both had shots kept out by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, while Kevin Pina’s long-range effort cleared the crossbar. There were no red cards or VAR interventions.
The single point was enough for Cape Verde, who drew all three group games to finish on 3 points and secure second place in Group H, reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history and becoming the smallest country ever to do so. Spain topped the group on 7 points, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both finished on 2 points and were eliminated, the Saudis propping up their group for a second consecutive World Cup. Cape Verde now face Argentina in Miami on 3 July in the round of 32. For more on the schedule and where to follow the action, see the World Cup Canada hub and the where to watch in Canada; any subsequent changes will follow FIFA’s official announcements.
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