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Cape Verde Smallest Nation to Reach World Cup Knockouts

7/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cape Verde will become the smallest nation to play a World Cup knockout match on Friday, facing Argentina and Lionel Messi.
The team secured knockout qualification after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in its final group game.
Cape Verde drew 0-0 with European champions Spain in the group stage.
Free fan zones opened across Praia and all nine inhabited islands, with car parades filling streets after each match.

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Story summary

Cape Verde will become the smallest nation to play a World Cup knockout match on Friday, facing Argentina and Lionel Messi.
The team secured knockout qualification after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in its final group game.
Cape Verde drew 0-0 with European champions Spain in the group stage.
Free fan zones opened across Praia and all nine inhabited islands, with car parades filling streets after each match.