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Debutant side Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup journey on Friday, securing a spot in the round of 32 after a 0-0 stalemate against Saudi Arabia, setting up a surprise clash with reigning champions Argentina in Miami.

Spain’s narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay ensured they topped the group with seven points, while Cape Verde’s three draws were enough to claim second place. Both Uruguay and Saudi Arabia exited the competition with two points each.

At the final whistle, Cape Verde’s players and coaching staff gathered around their phones, erupting in joy when confirmation came that the other group match had ended, sealing their qualification. Their jubilant supporters responded with loud cheers and drumming, celebrating well into the night.

Several players remained on the pitch long after most fans had left the Houston stadium, taking photographs, wrapping themselves in national flags, and soaking in the historic achievement for their nation of roughly half a million people.

The match itself lacked quality, though Cape Verde looked more likely to score for much of the contest. However, they failed to capitalise on several clear openings, including a key miss from Laros Duarte who went one-on-one with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais but could not convert.

Both teams began energetically, aware that a place in the knockout stage was at stake, but the first half was marred by misplaced passes and mistimed tackles, limiting attacking opportunities.

Willy Semedo created an early chance after cutting in from the left and striking from a tight angle, as the African side began to grow in confidence and take control following a cautious start.

Saudi Arabia’s first real effort on target came in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Kanno’s header went straight to Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. The moment carried extra emotion as Vozinha’s mother was present in the stands, having only recently arrived due to the difficulty and expense of obtaining a U.S. visa.

In the second half, Cape Verde dominated proceedings, pressing hard for a breakthrough and registering 15 attempts, though none found the back of the net. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, offered little in attack and struggled to create any meaningful threat.

The Saudis bowed out of the tournament quietly, managing just one goal across their three matches and failing to show much attacking intent in Houston, a performance that reflected their overall lack of ambition in the group stage.