Cape Verde Stuns World Cup Field to Reach Knockout Stage

Spain and Cape Verde both advanced overnight to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 thanks to a goal by Alex Baena, securing first place in Group 8.

Cape Verde, appearing in its first-ever World Cup, drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia and clinched second place in the group at the last moment. The result sent the debutant side through in a surprise qualification run.

The two teams now move on to the tournament’s next round, while Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were left out of the knockout stage.