FIFA World Cup finalists Argentina and Spain may be preparing for football’s biggest match on Sunday, but neither side managed to defeat African debutants Cape Verde within 90 minutes at the 2026 tournament.
Cape Verde, making their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, emerged as one of Africa’s biggest success stories despite exiting in the knockout stages. Against defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32 and European champions Spain in the group stage, the island nation twice pushed two of the world’s strongest teams beyond regulation time.
Argentina needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde after the Africans twice fought back during normal time against Lionel Messi and company. Spain, meanwhile, was held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in the group stage, failing to break the Blue Sharks’ resistance over 90 minutes.
The performances was more remarkable considering the calibre of the opposition. Argentina are reigning world champions and have booked another World Cup final with a 2-1 semi-final victory over England on Wednesday, while Spain progressed all the way to Sunday’s showpiece after eliminating France in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The veteran shot-stopper produced a string of outstanding saves against both Argentina and Spain, frustrating some of the world’s finest attacking players. He also saved a penalty against Spain, helping Cape Verde earn a memorable point. His heroics earned widespread praise and reinforced his reputation as one of Africa’s most dependable goalkeepers.
Cape Verde also had to contend with controversial officiating during their historic campaign. Several key refereeing decisions went against the debutants, including contentious calls against Argentina, adding to the sense that the tournament’s surprise package had been denied crucial moments despite matching football’s elite stride for stride.
Although Cape Verde ultimately fell short, their fearless approach won admiration around the world. Rather than sitting back against established giants, they attacked with confidence, twice recovering against Argentina and refusing to be overawed by opponents boasting multiple World Cup and continental titles.
Nine of Africa’s 10 representatives advanced beyond the group stage, with Morocco reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament and Egypt reaching the Round of 16. Senegal, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa also came within touching distance of major upsets before suffering late heartbreaks
Cape Verde’s journey remains one of the standout stories among Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
