Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia in a massive Group H showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory by five goals or more could see Cape Verde top the group if Spain draw with Uruguay, whilst they will qualify as runners-up if Uruguay fail to match their result.
Saudi Arabia can qualify as runners-up if they win and Uruguay fail to beat Spain.
Team News
Sidny Lopes Cabral is suspended for Cape Verde following his second yellow card of the campaign in their 2-2 draw against Uruguay.
Telmo Arcanjo is a doubt after he suffered a knock during that match, whilst Jovane Cabral faces a late fitness test after he was absent with an unspecified injury suffered in their goalless opener against Spain.
Saudi Arabia have no fresh injury concerns after their 4-0 loss to Spain.
When is Kick-Off?
Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium, Houston, USA, on Friday 26 June at 7pm CDT (1am BST, Saturday 27 June), live on ITV4 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Cape Verde’s first World Cup meeting against Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia have never met Cape Verde before in all competitions.
- Cape Verde’s Vozinha has saved seven of nine shots on target against his team.
- Two of Saudi Arabia’s four shots on target were produced by Abdulelah Al-Amri.
Prediction
With a great opportunity to reach the knockout stages, Cape Verde just need to stay focused on this game and bring the same fight and quality which has seen them grind out draws in their first two games, but this time try and protect their lead defensively.
Saudi Arabia meanwhile were just outclassed by Spain’s relentless intensity and press so this is a chance to reset but they need to put together a more polished display, otherwise they’re definitely going home early.
Although this should be a good battle, I do think that the neutral fans within the crowd will help Cape Verde get over the line if they play with the same grit that we’ve seen recently.
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi Arabia
Result: Cape Verde 0-0 Saudi Arabia