MBABANE – Once written off as Group H underdogs, Cape Verde are now one result away from completing one of the greatest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Blue Sharks, familiar foes of Sihlangu Semnikati, kept their knockout-stage hopes alive after staging a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 with two-time world champions Uruguay on Monday.
The result cemented Cape Verde's status as one of the tournament's biggest surprise packages. After stunning football powerhouse Spain earlier in the competition, the tiny island nation has collected two valuable points from its opening two matches.
Group H remains delicately poised heading into the final round of fixtures. Spain lead the standings with four points following their 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde and Uruguay are level on two points each after both drew their opening matches before sharing the spoils in their latest encounter. Saudi Arabia sit bottom with one point.
Cape Verde's route to the knockout stages is now clear. A victory over Saudi Arabia in their final group match, coupled with a draw between Spain and Uruguay, would see the Blue Sharks qualify for the Last 32 and continue their fairytale run.
Kevin Pina made history by scoring Cape Verde's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal from a free-kick, while substitute Helio Varela produced a memorable equaliser against Uruguay.
Uruguay had looked set for victory after Maxi Araújo and Agustin Canobbio struck late in the first half to overturn Cape Verde's early advantage. However, Varela capitalised on a misplaced pass from Mathias Olivera and punished goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was caught off his line, to secure a famous draw.
Cape Verde's rise is remarkable given its modest size. The archipelago off Africa's west coast has a population of just over half a million people, making it the third-smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup.
Their success is also a reminder of the quality that stood in Sihlangu's path during the qualifiers. The Blue Sharks completed a double over Eswatini, winning 2-0 at Mbombela Stadium before securing a 3-0 victory at home on their way to qualifying for football's biggest stage.
Once written off as Group H underdogs, Cape Verde are now one result away from completing one of the greatest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.