Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia meet in a crucial Group H clash on Friday at the 2026 World Cup, with both sides still in contention to reach the knockout stage heading into the final round of fixtures.
Cape Verde sit third in the group with two points from two matches, while Saudi Arabia are bottom with one point and must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Cape Verde have been one of the standout stories of the tournament so far, producing two disciplined and highly competitive performances on their World Cup debut.
The Blue Sharks began with a goalless draw against Spain before following up with an impressive 2-2 draw against Uruguay, results that have left them in a strong position heading into the final group match.
Bubista’s side remain outsiders for qualification, but the scenario is simple: victory over Saudi Arabia would give them a realistic chance of progressing, depending on results elsewhere in Group H. Even a draw could be enough to secure third place and remain in contention for a knockout spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after taking just one point from their opening two matches.
A 1-1 draw with Uruguay on matchday one offered encouragement, but a 4-0 defeat to Spain exposed the gap in quality at this level and left them bottom of Group H.
Only a win will give them any chance of progressing to the round of 32, although even that may not be enough depending on goal difference and results elsewhere.
Team news for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde will be without Sidny Lopes after the defender picked up a second yellow card against Uruguay and is suspended for this match. João Paulo is expected to come into the side at left-back as a result.
There are also fitness doubts over Telmo Arcanjo and Jovane Cabral, who will both be assessed ahead of kick-off. Gilson Benchimol is expected to continue leading the line.
Saudi Arabia have no new injury concerns and no suspensions heading into the fixture.
Head coach Georgios Donis is expected to keep changes to a minimum, although Mohamed Kanno could return to the midfield, while Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat is in contention for a wider role. Firas Al-Buraikan will continue as the main attacking threat.
Expected line-ups for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde starting XI: Vozinha; Moreira, Pico, Diney, Paulo; Pina; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Rodrigues; Benchimol
Saudi Arabia starting XI: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi; Al-Shamat, N. Al-Dawsari, Kanno, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Where to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: TV channel, online live stream
The match takes place on Friday, June 26 at the 2026 World Cup. For UK viewers, it will kick-off at 01:00 BST on Saturday morning.
Fans can watch the match on ITV 4 or stream it online through ITVX.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia stats
- Cape Verde are unbeaten in Group H so far
- Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opener
- Saudi Arabia have taken one point from two games
- The Green Falcons lost 4-0 to Spain after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay
- Saudi Arabia must win to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage
- Cape Verde could qualify for the last 32 depending on other Group H results
Prediction for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde have been one of the revelations of the tournament so far, showing defensive discipline and the ability to compete with higher-ranked opposition.
Their organisation and confidence from two strong results should be enough to edge a tight contest and keep their knockout hopes alive.
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi Arabia
