Cape VerdevsSaudi Arabia

Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia drew 0–0.

Cape Verde met Saudi Arabia in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seattle Stadium in Seattle on Saturday, June 27, 2026. It is one of the six matches in Group H, where the four sides each play three games and the top two advance directly to the Round of 32. With the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups also progressing, points here carry real weight from the opening whistle.

Saudi Arabia go in ranked 61st in the FIFA World Ranking to Cape Verde's 68th — a gap of 7 places that is narrow enough that form, fitness and the occasion may matter more than seeding. It is an inter-confederation meeting — Cape Verde of CAF against Saudi Arabia of AFC — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

Cape Verde are one of the smallest nations ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, with a population of just over 500,000. The Blue Sharks have risen remarkably through African football, regularly qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations and producing players who compete in Portugal and other European leagues due to the islands' historical ties to Portugal.

Saudi Arabia produced one of the greatest World Cup upsets in history when they defeated Argentina 2-1 in the opening match of the 2022 tournament, a result that sent shockwaves through the football world. The Green Falcons have been a consistent presence in Asian football and are investing heavily in their domestic league, attracting global superstars to the Saudi Pro League.

Cape Verde: Cape Verde have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia have appeared at six World Cups: 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022.

The match is scheduled at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 12:00 AM (08:00 PM ET).