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Cape Verde Becomes Smallest Nation to Reach World Cup Knockouts

6/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cape Verde, with about 525,000 residents, became the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout round.
A 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston left Cape Verde second in Group H and into the round of 32.
Goalkeeper Josmiar “Vozinha” Dias made three key saves, including a stoppage-time header, raising his Instagram following to about 16 million.
Cape Verde will meet Argentina in Miami on July 3 in the last-32.

History

Historical Context

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June, saw South Korea become the first Asian nation among 32 teams to reach the semi-finals, breaking the dominance of Europe, South America and North America. That underdog surge set a precedent later echoed when Cape Verde advanced to the knockout round in 2022, suggesting emerging teams can now challenge powers.

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Story summary

Cape Verde, with about 525,000 residents, became the smallest nation to reach the World Cup knockout round.
A 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston left Cape Verde second in Group H and into the round of 32.
Goalkeeper Josmiar “Vozinha” Dias made three key saves, including a stoppage-time header, raising his Instagram following to about 16 million.
Cape Verde will meet Argentina in Miami on July 3 in the last-32.

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