Cape Verde secured a place in the knockout stage of the World Cup in its tournament debut with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night in Houston. The result marked the third consecutive draw for the small island nation, which finished second in Group E behind Spain, earning a spot in the round of 32.

The team, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, began the group stage with a 0-0 draw against 2010 champion Spain, followed by a 2-2 comeback result versus Uruguay, a two-time World Cup winner. Cape Verde’s three points were sufficient to advance after Spain defeated Uruguay on Friday, ensuring the top position in the group.

With a population slightly exceeding 500,000, Cape Verde is the smallest country to progress out of the group stage in World Cup history. The milestone achievement has been seen as a significant accomplishment given the nation’s modest footballing infrastructure and resources compared to traditional powerhouses in the tournament.

Looking ahead, Cape Verde is set to face reigning World Cup champion Argentina in Miami on July 3. On the eve of the match, coach Bubista embraced the historic moment, stating, “everyone is entitled to dream and nothing is impossible,” reflecting the optimism surrounding the squad’s unprecedented run.

The team’s success has inspired supporters both at home and abroad. Among the fans celebrating the achievement was a woman sporting the national flag painted on her face and holding a sign that read, “Small Islands, Big Dreams,” encapsulating Cape Verde’s unexpected rise on football’s biggest stage.