STORY: Early Saturday (June 27) morning, fans of "The Blue Sharks" gathered to watch and celebrate a historic moment for Cape Verdean football. What began as a dream has quickly turned into one of the most remarkable stories of this World Cup.

Debutants Cape Verde prolonged their fairytale on Friday, securing a place in the round of 32 after a tense 0–0 draw with Saudi Arabia. The result was enough to book an unexpected and thrilling clash with defending champions Argentina in Miami, sparking celebrations across the islands and among the global diaspora.

Spain’s narrow 1–0 victory over Uruguay secured them top spot in Group H with seven points, while Cape Verde advanced in second place with three hard-fought draws. In doing so, they became the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage, a milestone fans proudly marked as they watched the decisive moments unfold. Uruguay and Saudi Arabia were both eliminated with two points.

For Cape Verde supporters, the occasion was about more than football, it was about history, pride and belief in the impossible.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: PRAIA, CAPE VERDE (JUNE 27, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF CAPE VERDE FANS CHEERING, DANCING, WAVING AND HOLDING CAPE VERDE FLAG FOLLOWING THE WORLD CUP GROUP H MATCH BETWEEN CAPE VERDE AND SAUDI ARABIA

2. FANS REACTING AND CHEERING DURING MATCH

3. VARIOUS OF FANS WATCHING MATCH

4. EMOTIONAL FAN LOOKING ON

5. VARIOUS OF FANS WATCHING MATCH AND REACTING