Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia meet in an important Group H conflict on Friday on the 2026 World Cup, with each side nonetheless in competition to achieve the knockout stage heading into the ultimate spherical of fixtures.
Cape Verde sit third within the group with two factors from two matches, whereas Saudi Arabia are backside with one level and should win to maintain their qualification hopes alive.
Cape Verde have been one of many standout tales of the match to date, producing two disciplined and extremely aggressive performances on their World Cup debut.
The Blue Sharks started with a goalless draw towards Spain earlier than following up with a powerful 2-2 draw towards Uruguay, outcomes which have left them in a powerful place heading into the ultimate group match.
Bubista’s aspect stay outsiders for qualification, however the situation is straightforward: victory over Saudi Arabia would give them a sensible probability of progressing, relying on outcomes elsewhere in Group H. Even a draw may very well be sufficient to safe third place and stay in competition for a knockout spot as the most effective third-placed groups.
Saudi Arabia, in the meantime, arrive beneath stress after taking only one level from their opening two matches.
A 1-1 draw with Uruguay on matchday one provided encouragement, however a 4-0 defeat to Spain uncovered the hole in high quality at this degree and left them backside of Group H.
Solely a win will give them any probability of progressing to the spherical of 32, though even that is probably not sufficient relying on purpose distinction and outcomes elsewhere.
Group information for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde might be with out Sidny Lopes after the defender picked up a second yellow card towards Uruguay and is suspended for this match. João Paulo is anticipated to come back into the aspect at left-back because of this.
There are additionally health doubts over Telmo Arcanjo and Jovane Cabral, who will each be assessed forward of kick-off. Gilson Benchimol is anticipated to proceed main the road.
Saudi Arabia haven’t any new damage issues and no suspensions heading into the fixture.
Head coach Georgios Donis is anticipated to maintain adjustments to a minimal, though Mohamed Kanno might return to the midfield, whereas Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat is in competition for a wider function. Firas Al-Buraikan will proceed as the primary attacking risk.
Anticipated line-ups for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde beginning XI: Vozinha; Moreira, Pico, Diney, Paulo; Pina; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Rodrigues; Benchimol
Saudi Arabia beginning XI: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi; Al-Shamat, N. Al-Dawsari, Kanno, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
The place to look at Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: TV channel, on-line reside stream
The match takes place on Friday, June 26 on the 2026 World Cup. For UK viewers, it would kick-off at 01:00 BST on Saturday morning.
Followers can watch the match on ITV 4 or stream it on-line by ITVX.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia stats
Cape Verde are unbeaten in Group H to date
Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw of their opener
Saudi Arabia have taken one level from two video games
The Inexperienced Falcons misplaced 4-0 to Spain after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay
Saudi Arabia should win to have any probability of reaching the knockout stage
Cape Verde might qualify for the final 32 relying on different Group H outcomes
Prediction for Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
Cape Verde have been one of many revelations of the match to date, exhibiting defensive self-discipline and the power to compete with higher-ranked opposition.
Their organisation and confidence from two sturdy outcomes needs to be sufficient to edge a good contest and maintain their knockout hopes alive.
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 Saudi Arabia
