Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia: Confirmed line-ups as World Cup minnows go in search of fairytale qualification

Cape Verde have captured the imagination at this World Cup. Can they get the win they need to guarantee qualification for the round of 32? Here's the team news from Houston...

Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia: Confirmed line-ups as World Cup minnows go in search of fairytale qualification

Cape Verde have the chance to extend their World Cup journey tonight when they face Saudi Arabia in Houston.

A win for Bubista’s men would see them through to the round of 32, either automatically or as one of the best third-placed finishers.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after taking just one point from their opening two matches.

A 1-1 draw with Uruguay on matchday one offered encouragement, but a 4-0 defeat to Spain exposed the gap in quality at this level and left them bottom of Group H.

Only a win will give them any chance of progressing to the round of 32, although even that may not be enough depending on goal difference and results elsewhere.

CAPE VERDE TEAM NEWS

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Borges, Lopes, Pina, Pina, Paulo, Monteiro, Duarte, Semedo, Livramento, Mendes

Cape Verde Substitutes: Rosa, Santos, Stopira, Costa, Moreira, Pires, Cabral, Rodrigues, Duarte, Semedo, Costa, Varela, Benchimol

SAUDI ARABIA TEAM NEWS

Saudi Arabia: Alowais, Alamri, Altambakti, Abdulhamid, Washl, Aldawsari, Alkhaibari, Kanno, Albrikan, Aldawsari, Mandash

Saudi Arabia Substitutes: Alaqidi, Alkassar, Majrashi, Lajami, Kadish, Alharbi, Thikri, Abu Alshamat, Aljuwayr, Aljohani, Alhajji, Yahya, Alsheri, Alghannam, Alhamddan

Where to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: TV channel, online live stream

The match takes place on Friday, June 26 at the 2026 World Cup. For UK viewers, it will kick-off at 01:00 BST on Saturday morning.

Fans can watch the match on ITV 4 or stream it online through ITVX.

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia stats

  • Cape Verde are unbeaten in Group H so far
  • Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opener
  • Saudi Arabia have taken one point from two games
  • The Green Falcons lost 4-0 to Spain after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay
  • Saudi Arabia must win to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage
  • Cape Verde could qualify for the last 32 depending on other Group H results