![](\"https:\/\/prizrenpost.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kepi-i-Gjelber.jpeg\")
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The final whistles blew almost simultaneously in Guadalajara and Houston on Saturday after midnight.<\/p>\n
As Uruguay were beaten 1-0 by Spain, the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams gave way to one of the tournament’s greatest stories, as Cape Verde’s remarkable resilience secured a historic result against Saudi Arabia at the Houston Stadium.<\/p>\n
An archipelago of 10 volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde finished Group H in second place, securing qualification to the knockout stage of the World Cup in its first appearance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The team led by Bubista, 56, became the smallest national team in terms of territory and population to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup, leaving Uruguay in third place, less than eight months after securing their first place on world football’s biggest stage.<\/p>\n
They opened the campaign with a surprise 0-0 draw against former world champions Spain, showing that their main strength was organization and consistency in defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, they showed that they know how to attack as well, as they drew 2-2 with Uruguay in the second leg, significantly increasing their chances of qualification.<\/p>\n
On the last day of the group stage, Cape Verde needed only to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of progressing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With Spain beating Uruguay thanks to Alex Baena’s 42nd-minute goal, Cape Verde’s pragmatic defense proved enough to make history.<\/p>\n
However, the road doesn’t get any easier.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The debutants of the World Cup will face the reigning world champions, Argentina, in the 1\/16 stage, in a match to be played on July 4.<\/p>\n
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