World Cup 2026: Cape Verde 90 minutes from history

Qualification is within reach for Cape Verde. Kevin Pina and his teammates only need a win against Saudi Arabia this Saturday at 00:00 GMT in Houston. The Blue Sharks can cause a sensation.

90 minutes for a historic moment

After holding Spain and Uruguay, Cape Verde wants to continue its run at the 2026 World Cup. The Blue Sharks don't want to stop there. As a result, the group is focused on making history in their first appearance at the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde has shown two different faces in their first two outings in Group H. Against Spain, they played with a low block. Against Uruguay, the team was solid defensively while also being clinical in attack. Facing Saudi Arabia, the Cape Verdeans want to maintain the same level of intensity.

Bubista, the coach of Cape Verde, remains optimistic about qualifying for the round of 16: “I have always told those close to me that this was an extremely tough group. I know for everyone, it would be almost impossible to reach this stage. And yet, here we are, with all our chances. Nothing is impossible. We are here. Tomorrow, we have a very difficult match, but for everyone, qualification is still possible.,” he said in his press conference.

Although Saudi Arabia has just one point after two matches, Bubista takes them very seriously. The Blue Sharks’ coach expects a tough match.

“Saudi Arabia is a team that already has experience in this competition. It’s a very organized team, formidable on the counterattack. This team will obviously cause us a lot of trouble, but we trust in our organization and our game. They are well-structured, well-organized, and experienced in this competition and the World Cup. We have to do our part, that is, organize our team well; we trust what we have done. The most important thing for the moment is that our team is physically and mentally ready to give its best. There are no easy matches at the World Cup; obviously it will be a hard match, but it will be a tough match for both teams.” he said.

Saudi Arabia acknowledges Cape Verde’s qualities

Cape Verde is a coherent team, a squad built with Bubista’s clear ideas. This side shines on the world’s biggest stage. Despite it being their first World Cup, the team shows no fear. Spain and Uruguay know that well.

To get three points against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde will have to work hard. The Green Falcons are also aiming for qualification. While coach Georgios Donis acknowledges the attacking quality of the Blue Sharks, he trusts his own group to win.

“The Cape Verde national team is one of the surprises of the World Cup; it’s a skilled team in excellent physical condition. What surprised me most during the games against Spain and Uruguay was their defensive block and their interventions. They were also very dangerous on the counterattack. We are going to face a tough team, but I believe in my squad and we are relying on the confidence it will show.” he told the media.

The match is on.