Cabo Verde, making their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026, have earned a historic place in the Round of 32, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

The African island nation advanced as Group H runners-up after holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final group-stage match on Saturday. Cabo Verde finished the group with three points, continuing their impressive unbeaten run in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Cabo Verde began their campaign with a stunning 0-0 draw against former champions Spain, before securing another valuable point in a 2-2 draw against two-time winners Uruguay. Their final draw against Saudi Arabia confirmed second place in the group and a spot in the knockout stage.

Argentina, meanwhile, have already secured top spot in Group J after winning their opening two matches. The reigning world champions will face Jordan in their final group fixture but are already guaranteed progression to the knockout rounds.

Several teams have also confirmed their places in the Round of 32, including Portugal (Group K), England and Ghana (Group L), and Egypt (Group G), ahead of the completion of their final group matches. Paraguay, who finished third in Group D, have also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

With multiple group results already confirmed, eight of the 16 Round of 32 matchups have now been decided. Confirmed fixtures include South Africa vs Canada, Brazil vs Japan, Germany vs Paraguay, Netherlands vs Morocco, Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, and a clash between co-hosts the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cabo Verde’s remarkable debut continues as they prepare for a high-profile knockout showdown against Argentina, one of the tournament favorites and the reigning world champions.