Cape Verde
Cape Verde are the real success story of this 2026 World Cup, they became the smallest country ever to qualify for the competition, before Curacao took that crown a few weeks later but then they produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history and became everones second team.
Who can forget that opening game in Atlanta, facing the reigning european champions and most experts predicting that keeping it respectable would be a good result, they stunned us all by claiming a 0-0 draw thanks to a stunning performance from 40 year old goalkeeper Vozinha.
They were at it again on Matchday 2 when they faced Uruguay, again not much was expected of them and again they produced a superb performance against the two times world champions. They took the lead in the first half but were behind by half-time. They showed great spirit to score a second half equaliser and now have a chance of qualification !!
Injuries & Team News
Cape Verde will be without the services of Sidny Lopes for this match, with the defender picking up a second yellow card of the tournament against Uruguay last time out, meaning that he will miss the contest through suspension.
As a result, Joao Paulo could be given the nod at left-back for Cape Verde.
Telmo Arcanjo (hamstring) and Jovane Cabral (knock) need to be assessed before final decisions can be made on their availability for the match, while there is expected to be another start through the middle for Gilson Benchimol.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-2 vs Uruguay | L W W W D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Cape Verde possible starting lineup:
Vozinha; Moreira, Pico, Diney, Paulo; Pina; Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, Rodrigues; Benchimol
Saudi Arabia
The Green Falcons have given themselves a real opportunity to be playing in the world cup knockout stages through their performances so far. Although regulars at the World Cup it is very rare they have made it through the group but a victory here will almost certainly achieve that goal.
Former Greek International Giorgios Donis is the man in charge of the Saudi’s at this tournament and his side were unfortunate not to claim all three points in the opener with uruguay when they were the better side for long periods but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Injuries & Team News
There are no injury issues for Donis ahead of the Cape Verde match in Houston, and there are no suspension issues either.
Despite the 4-0 defeat to Spain it is expected that Donis will resist the urge to make too many changes, they were simply beaten by a better team.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-4 vs Spain | L L W D D L |
Predicted Line-Up
Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:
Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi; Al-Shamat, N Al-Dawsari, Kanno, S Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde Win | 7/4 – (2.75) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 12/5 – (4.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Saudi Arabia Win | 7/4 – (2.90) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Cape Verde 1-1 Saudi Arabia
This has been the group for draws so far in this tournament and as the betting odds suggets there isnt much to separate these two teams.