Cape Verde has advanced to the World Cup playoffs for the first time
Two more teams have qualified for the playoffs at the 2026 World Cup. Spain defeated Uruguay to win its group, while the biggest surprise was Cape Verde, which advanced to the World Cup playoffs for the first time in history.
At the World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the final round of matches in Group H has concluded. These matches determined who would continue competing for the trophy and who would be eliminated from the tournament early.
The Spanish national team secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Uruguay. This result was enough for Spain to finish first in the group with seven points and advance to the knockout stage without any problems. For Uruguay, this defeat proved fatal. The team finished the group stage with only two points and was eliminated from the tournament.
Events unfolded no less dramatically in the group’s other match. The national teams of Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde played to a 0–0 draw. Although the Cape Verde national team was unable to win, the single point they earned was enough for a historic achievement. For the first time in its history, the team advanced to the World Cup playoffs. After all matches were completed, the Group H standings looked like this:
- Spain — 7 points;
- Cape Verde — 3;
- Uruguay — 2;
- Saudi Arabia — 2.
Thus, it is Spain and Cape Verde that will continue their battle for the World Cup title. Meanwhile, the final round of matches is underway in other groups at the World Cup. On this match day, Group G will see Egypt face Iran and New Zealand take on Belgium. The organizers have also already determined most of the matchups for the Round of 16. At this stage, the following teams will face off:
- South Africa vs. Canada;
- Brazil vs. Japan;
- Netherlands vs. Morocco;
- United States vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Ivory Coast vs. Norway;
- Germany vs. Paraguay;
- France vs. Sweden;
- Argentina vs. Cape Verde.
The match between Argentina and playoff debutant Cape Verde is already being called one of the most intriguing in the first knockout round. For the African team, this will be a chance to continue its fairy-tale run at the World Cup. As a reminder, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament final is scheduled for July 19.
The Russian national team has withdrawn from the rhythmic gymnastics tournament in Romania
Mexico and Brazil have taken the lead in their respective groups at the 2026 World Cup
