Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia meet in a crucial Group H match on Friday at the 2026 World Cup – both teams still have a chance to reach the knockout stages before the final group stage.
Cape Verde is third in the group with two points from two games, while Saudi Arabia is last with one point. The green and whites must win to keep their hopes of advancement alive.
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Cape Verde has been one of the championship’s big surprises so far. The Blue Sharks have delivered two disciplined and highly competitive performances in their World Cup debut. They opened with a 0-0 draw with Spain, before following up with an impressive 2-2 draw with Uruguay – results that have put them in a good position going into the final group game.
Bubista’s side are still underdogs in the battle for promotion, but the scenario is simple: A win over Saudi Arabia will give them a real chance to progress – depending on the results elsewhere in Group H. Even a draw could be enough to secure third place and keep their hopes alive as one of the best third-placed teams.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, comes into the game under pressure after just one point from two games. The 1-1 draw against Uruguay gave hope, but the 4-0 loss to Spain exposed the difference in level at this level and sent them to the bottom of Group H.
Only a win gives them the opportunity to reach the last eight – although that is not certain either, depending on goal difference and other results.
Team news for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde will have to do without Sidny Lopes, who received his second yellow card against Uruguay and is suspended. João Paulo is expected to come in at left-back as a replacement.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Telmo Arcanjo and Jovane Cabral – both being assessed before kick-off. Gilson Benchimol is expected to lead the attack.
At Saudi Arabia, there are no new injuries or suspensions. Head coach Georgios Donis is likely to make few changes, but Mohamed Kanno could return in midfield, while Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat is in the running for a winger role. Firas Al-Buraikan remains the biggest offensive threat.
Predicted line-ups
Cape Verde (4-3-3): Vozinha – Moreira, Pico, Diney, Paulo – Pina – Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Rodrigues – Benchimol
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Al-Owais – Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi – Al-Shamat, N. Al-Dawsari, Kanno, S. Al-Dawsari – Al-Buraikan
Key figures for Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
- Cape Verde is unbeaten in Group H so far.
- Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match.
- Saudi Arabia has taken one point from two games.
- The Green and Whites lost 4-0 to Spain after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
- Saudi Arabia must win to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages.
- Cape Verde can qualify for the last eight depending on other results in Group H.
Prediction for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde has been one of the championship’s big surprises so far, with defensive discipline and the ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. The organisation and confidence from two strong results should be enough to settle a close game and keep the hope of advancement alive.
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi Arabia
