Cape Verde achieve unique feat only managed by three other nations as they secure World Cup progression

Cape Verde have progressed to the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup after they finished second in their group following three draws.

The 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in their final game confirmed they would be among the sides in the round of 32 as they competed in their first ever World Cup.

Cape Verde were forced to wait nervously to see if they would progress as they held on to receive news regarding the result in the Spain and Uruguay match, but as information came through, the players and fans exploded into joyous celebration, knowing they had qualified.

Spain secured a 1-0 victory against the two-time world champions in Guadalajara, meaning that the Tubarões Azuis would progress; their reward, a meeting with the current World Cup holders, Argentina.

Supporters of the nation will likely celebrate long into the night following their progression; however, in drawing this game, Cape Verde achieved a unique feat, as they became only the fourth nation to draw all three of their opening World Cup fixtures.

Cape Verde's defender #24 Wagner Pina (L) takes the ball as Cape Verde's defender #08 Joao Paulo is challenged by Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)

The African nation joins an illustrious list of Wales (1958), Cameroon (1982) and the Republic of Ireland (1990), according to Opta Stats.

Only Cameroon would fail to progress to the knockout stages from this list of four nations who drew their opening three games in their debut World Cup.

Progression in their debut World Cup has seen Cape Verde become the first team to do this since Slovakia did so in 2010, while they are the first debutants to go unbeaten in a group stage of a tournament since Senegal did so back in 2002.

The African nation were not expected to qualify from this group that contained nations that had lifted the competition on three occasions, the Spanish with one title and Uruguay with two.

Football fans from around the world will now expect Argentina to progress past them in the next round; however, as evidenced by their tournament so far, the current World Cup holders would be foolish to believe it will be an easy task, as evidenced by their draws with Spain and Uruguay.