Spain’s winning goal came in the 42nd minute through Álex Baena after a costly mistake by Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was subbed off after the first half. Marcos Llorente delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Baena controlled the ball before firing a shot that slipped through Muslera’s hands and rolled into the net.

Meanwhile, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia played to a 0-0 draw in Houston Stadium. Saudi Arabia created the first scoring opportunities, but Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced several key saves. Despite an entertaining contest, neither side found the breakthrough, a result that was enough to send Cape Verde into the knockout stage.

How did Spain win Group H?

Spain finished atop the group after collecting seven points from three matches. Luis de la Fuente‘s squad remained unbeaten throughout the group stage and capped their campaign with a disciplined defensive performance.

For Uruguay, the defeat proved costly as they are out of the World Cup. Marcelo Bielsa‘s team entered the match level with Spain on points but failed to recover after conceding shortly before halftime, ending their World Cup campaign in the group stage. Uruguay also miss out on advancing as one of the best third‑placed teams due to the combination of results, joining the list of eliminated teams in the group stage.

2026 World Cup Group H standings

Cape Verde claim the second qualifying spot after finishing ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The African nation reaches the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

This will be Letexier’s second game of the 2026 World Cup. He had a solid performance in his first appearance, despite stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Michael Oliver, who suffered an injury before the Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador match.

Cape Verde is fully focused on advancing to the knockout stage. However, they will need to play with caution, especially considering Letexier handed out four yellow cards during his sudden World Cup debut. Saudi Arabia could also push for a win to see if they can advance to the next round.

Letexier brings plenty of experience to Match 65

Overall, Letexier averages 4.2 yellow cards per game over his 143-match career, almost exactly the amount he showed in his first group stage match of this World Cup. This suggests he won’t be overly lenient with the players.

The last time Letexier showed a red card to a soccer player was on March 22 in a French Ligue 1 match. So far this year, he has issued three red cards, though all of them came in domestic leagues and tournaments.

Who has more yellow cards: Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia?

Cape Verde enters this match with three yellow cards, a relatively low number for a team that has had to weather constant attacks from dangerous Uruguayan and Spanish forwards. On the other side, Saudi Arabia also sits on three yellow cards so far in this World Cup.

Cape Verde enter the match after impressive draw against Spain 0-0 and Uruguay 2-2, performances that left the Blue Sharks in control of their qualification destiny. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay before suffering a 4-0 loss to Spain, leaving the Green Falcons with just one point entering the final group match.

As the two nations prepare for one of the most important matches in their recent history, FIFA have confirmed the uniform combinations both teams will wear at Houston Stadium.

What uniforms are Cape Verde wearing today?

Cape Verde will take the field in their traditional navy blue home kit, featuring navy blue shirts, shorts, and socks. The goalkeeper is expected to wear a full yellow uniform consisting of a yellow jersey, shorts, and socks, while the substitutes will use magenta training bibs on the sidelines.

What uniforms are Saudi Arabia wearing today?

Saudi Arabia will wear a predominantly white kit with bronze details on the shirt, shorts, and socks for the decisive Group H clash. The Saudi goalkeeper will be dressed in a light blue and black jersey, complemented by light blue shorts and light blue socks with gold accents.

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Cape Verde is ranked No. 64 in the world with 1,401.77 points. Cape Verde has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises despite not recording a victory yet.

Bubista’s side opened with a scoreless draw against Spain before earning an entertaining 2-2 draw with Uruguay, putting themselves in position to qualify for the Round of 32 with a strong result on the final matchday.

How does Cape Verde’s FIFA Ranking compare to Saudi Arabia?

Cape Verde enter the match ranked six places below Saudi Arabia in the FIFA standings. Saudi Arabia, sit slightly higher at No. 58 with 1,426.71 points, leaving just 24.94 ranking points separating the two nations ahead of the decisive clash.

This will also be the first senior international meeting between the two countries, adding extra significance to a match that could become one of the biggest in Cape Verde’s soccer history.

What is at stake for Cape Verde?

Cape Verde control their own destiny heading into the final group match. A victory over Saudi Arabia would guarantee the Blue Sharks a place in the Round of 32, marking the greatest achievement in the nation’s World Cup history.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia must win to keep their qualification hopes alive after opening the tournament with a draw against Uruguay before falling 4-0 to Spain. With so much at stake for both sides, the Group H finale promises to be one of the most competitive matches of the final group-stage slate.

How to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia in the USA

Viewers in the United States can catch every moment of this marquee matchup live on FS1 and Telemundo via standard television broadcasts.

Fans can also stream the game through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, or Peacock Premium. Be sure to tune in.

Can I watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this must-watch showdown live on Fubo or DirecTV Stream. New eligible subscribers may receive a free five-day trial.

Both platforms provide nationwide live access, allowing fans to follow every key moment, crucial stretch, and decisive play from start to finish in real time.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Everything is on the line as Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde meet in a decisive Group Stage clash with a spot in the next round at stake. Saudi Arabia is coming off a 4-0 loss to Spain but can still advance, potentially as group runners-up, with a win and help from Spain against Uruguay.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, earned draws against both Spain and Uruguay and now has a historic opportunity to reach the knockout stage with three points. With a draw doing little for either side, expect an intense battle from start to finish.

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia: Predicted Lineups

Cape Verde (4-2-3-1): Vozinha, Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Diney Borges, João Paulo Fernandes, Deroy Duarte, Kevin Lenini, Jamiro Monteiro, Lisandro Semedo, Bébé, Ryan Mendes.

Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Owais, Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Amri, Al-Harbi, Kanno, Khaibari, N. Al-Dawsari, Al-Juwayr, S. Al-Dawsari, Al Buraikan.

What time is the Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia match?

The match kicks off today, June 26, at 8:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
Central Time: 7:00 PM
Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

According to the latest FIFA rankings, Saudi Arabia enter the decisive fixture ranked No. 58 in the world with 1,426.71 points. Both nations have shown they can compete against stronger opposition.

Saudi Arabia opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Spain. Cape Verde, meanwhile, emerged as one of the surprise teams in Group H after holding Spain to a scoreless draw and then earning a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.

How does Saudi Arabia’s FIFA Ranking compare to Cape Verde?

Saudi Arabia hold a slight edge in the FIFA standings, whileCape Verde sit just six places behind at No. 64 with 1,401.77 points, only 24.94 ranking points separate the nations, suggesting a competitive matchup despite their contrasting football histories.

This will also be the first-ever meeting between Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde at senior international level, adding another layer of intrigue to a match with significant qualification implications.

What is at stake for both teams?

Both teams remain in search of their first victory at the 2026 World Cup, but the stakes extend well beyond that milestone. Saudi Arabia need all three points to keep their hopes of advancing alive, while Cape Verde know a win would guarantee a historic place in the Round of 32, though their qualification would still depend on a combination of results elsewhere in Group H.

The Blue Sharks have already exceeded expectations by taking points from Spain and Uruguay, proving they can compete with traditional soccer powers. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will look to rediscover the defensive organization that earned a valuable point in their tournament opener as they fight to prolong their World Cup campaign.

Saudi Arabia enter the decisive fixture with just one point after two matches, with a recent defeat 4-0 against Spain, leaving Georgios Donis‘ side at the bottom of the standings. Cape Verde, meanwhile, have collected two draws and remains firmly in contention for a historic place in the knockout stage.

With Spain and Uruguay meeting simultaneously, every goal could reshape the Group H standings. Both teams know exactly what is required as they take the field for one of the most decisive matches of their World Cup campaigns.

What happens if Saudi Arabia win vs Cape Verde?

A victory would move Saudi Arabia to four points and keep their Round of 32 hopes alive. However, winning alone would not be enough. Saudi Arabia would also need Uruguay to lose or draw against Spain.

If that happens, the Saudis would move into the top two and qualify for the knockout stage. If Uruguay defeat Spain, Saudi Arabia would likely finish third and would need to rely on the ranking of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

If Cape Verde lose, they remain stuck on 2 points. Saudi Arabia would climb to 4 points and automatically move ahead of them in the standings. Since Spain already have 4 points and Uruguay sit on 2, any outcome in the simultaneous match (Spain vs. Uruguay) would leave Cape Verde either in fourth place or in a third‑place position that offers no mathematical path to advance. Therefore, losing to Saudi Arabia eliminates Cape Verde from the World Cup.

What happens if Saudi Arabia tie vs Cape Verde?

A draw would leave Saudi Arabia with only two points, which would not be enough to reach the Round of 32. Saudi Arabia’s World Cup campaign would officially come to an end.

For Cape Verde, a draw against Saudi Arabia would take them to 3 points and keep their Round of 32 hopes alive, but their fate would hinge on Spain’s result against Uruguay.

If Spain win, Cape Verde qualify automatically; if Spain and Uruguay draw, both would finish on 3 points and second place would come down to FIFA tiebreakers, where Uruguay currently hold a slight edge; and if Uruguay beat Spain, Cape Verde would finish third with 3 points and would need to wait on the overall third‑place table to see if they advance.

What happens if Saudi Arabia lose vs Cape Verde?

A defeat would also eliminate Saudi Arabia, leaving them at the bottom of Group H with one point from three matches. For Cape Verde, the picture is much more straightforward. A victory over Saudi Arabia guarantees qualification for the knockout rounds, while a draw would leave the African nation waiting on the outcome of Spain vs Uruguay to determine whether it advances.

2026 World Cup Group H standings

The match is scheduled for Friday night in what will be one of the most important Group H fixtures, with both teams still fighting for qualification in a tightly contested group. It is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd.

Weather conditions in Houston are expected to reflect typical late-June heat and humidity, although the stadium’s climate-controlled design will help mitigate on-field conditions for players. Movement could be affected by high temperatures.

What will the weather be like during Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?

The weather during Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia is expected to be hot and humid in Houston, with temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and only a minimal chance of rain. The match is set to take place under classic late-June conditions in Texas.

Forecast models indicate mostly cloudy skies with light winds around 19 km/h, meaning players will likely deal more with physical strain from humidity than with weather interruptions. Also, the stadium has a retractable roof.

With temperatures hovering in the high 80s Fahrenheit and very low rain probability, hydration and energy management could become subtle but important factors in a game where intensity is expected to stay high.

How many fans are expected at Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia is expected to attract around 70,000 to 72,000 fans, with a near-capacity crowd anticipated for this decisive Group H clash. Houston Stadium has a listed capacity of approximately 72,220 spectators.

Multiple matchday projections suggest strong attendance due to the stakes of the game and the growing global interest in both teams. The context of a final group-stage showdown significantly boosts demand, especially in a diverse city.

Combined with local fans and neutral spectators attending a prime-time World Cup fixture, the atmosphere is projected to feel fully packed, especially given that this match could decide qualification outcomes in Group H.

The chant was basically “where is Yamal?”, so Yamal published a message on Instagram after the game ended, with the video of the Saudi Arabia fans chanting attached as part of a carousel post.

Yamal’s caption read a simple “I’m here” as a direct response to the chant. Then, Yamal said “Go Spain!! Thank you all for your support, always with God!” Now, Spain is in a great position to advance to the next round thanks to its 4-0 victory vs. Saudi Arabia.

Yamal’s numbers vs Saudi Arabia

Yamal played just 45′ minutes on the game and it was enough for him to make a long-lasting impact in this game. Spain looked incredible with Yamal on the field, scoring three of the four goals in the first half.

Per SofaScore, Yamal had an 8.3 rating. However, Yamal was subbed off because he’s been dealing with some minor injuries, so manager Luis de la Fuente opted to take a careful approach as the game was already settled in Spain’s favor.

Spain’s next game after beating Saudi Arabia

Spain’s last group stage matchup is on June 24 against Uruguay. If Spain win that game, it means it’s likely they win the group and go to the knockout rounds as a first seed.

Spain is already finding its best form, which is one of a World Cup contender. It all came thanks to Yamal’s skills and capability to impact a game at will. Without him, Spain can look clueless. With him, it looks like a world-class team.

With the crucial victory, Spain climb to the top of the group standings with four points, putting La Roja in prime position to lock up a berth in the Round of 32 when the single-elimination bracket begins at the end of June.

Here are the updated Group H standings following Spain’s clinical victory over Saudi Arabia:

Spain’s performance against Saudi Arabia

The four-goal onslaught served as a resounding reminder of Spain’s title credentials, offering a stark contrast to their sluggish performance against Cape Verde. With this much-needed statement win, the European giants proved they are still very much in the hunt for the World Cup trophy.

Lamine Yamal was the undisputed engine of the attack. Completely eclipsing his quiet outing against the Africans, the teenage phenom was spectacular on the pitch alongside Oyarzabal, who spearheaded the scoreline with a brilliant brace.

Spain’s next rival in Group H

If Spain intend to lock up the top seed in the group, they will need a decisive result against Uruguay in the final round of group play. Of course, the ultimate seeding will also hinge on the upcoming match between the South Americans and Cape Verde, which promises to shake up the final group geometry.

This is the upcoming Round 3 fixture for Group H on June 26:

After earning a respectable 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their tournament opener, Saudi Arabia entered Matchday 2 with realistic ambitions of advancing from Group H.

However, the heavy defeat to Spain leaves the team facing a difficult path heading into the final round of group-stage matches. With just one game remaining, Saudi Arabia’s qualification hopes are still alive, but only barely.

Are Saudi Arabia eliminated from the 2026 World Cup?

No. Saudi Arabia have not been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The point earned in the opening match against Uruguay keeps the team mathematically alive in the race for the Round of 32.

However, Saudi Arabia’s position is now extremely difficult after conceding four goals against Lamine Yamal and Spain, a result that severely damaged their goal difference.

What do Saudi Arabia need to qualify in 2026 World Cup?

Saudi Arabia will likely need to defeat Cape Verde in their final Group H match. A victory would move the Green Falcons to four points, which could be enough to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams under the expanded 48-team format.

The challenge is that goal difference may become a major factor. The 4-0 defeat to Spain means Saudi Arabia could lose tiebreakers against other teams competing for the eight third-place qualification spots.

As a result, simply winning may not be enough, they may also need a convincing scoreline against Cape Verde. Tie and loss almost certainly would lead to elimination.

Can Saudi Arabia still reach the Round of 32 in 2026 WC?

Yes, but the margin for error is gone. Saudi Arabia must now focus on defeating Cape Verde and improving their goal difference as much as possible. Only then will the team have a realistic chance of claiming one of the World Cup’s third-place qualification spots. However, if Uruguay and Cape Verde drop points in their game, then they might have a shot at second-place with four points.