Cape Verde have made history by becoming the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup.
Players huddled around a mobile phone on the pitch following their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia to watch the final moments of Spain’s win over Uruguay, a result that confirmed Cape Verde finished as Group H runners-up.
The prize for a side representing a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean will be to face defending champions Argentina in the last 32.
Elsewhere, Senegal effectively secured their spot in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after putting themselves in a highly favorable position by thrashing Iraq 5-0 in their final group match.
This massive victory allowed the Lions of Teranga to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Meanwhile, the Pharaohs of Egypt booked their place even before kicking a ball in their final group match against Iran which finished 1-1 with late VAR drama that denied Iran what could have been a historic win.
Ghana who play Croatia in their final group game alongside Morocco, South Africa and Cote D’Ivoire complete the seven African countries that are guaranteed a place in the round of 32.
Earlier, Ousmane Dembele hit a first-half hat-trick as France defeated Norway 4-1 at the Boston Stadium on Friday night to finish top of Group I.
In Vancouver, Leandro Trossard scored a pair of goals as Belgium overcame a slow start at the World Cup to advance to the knockout round with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also scored for the Belgians, who were eliminated in the group stage in Qatar four years ago after finishing third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Spain officially sent Uruguay packing from the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they secured top honors in Group H. Midfielder Alex Baena became the hero with a crucial 42nd-minute strike in Zapopan.
It was a historical outing for La Roja, who got their first-ever tournament victory over the South American squad, breaking a historical trend of frustrating draws between the two nations on the global stage.
(The Whistler)