Preview: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

The Blue Sharks will take on the Green Falcons in Group H.

Cape Verde’s fairytale continued as they stopped the mighty Uruguay to a 2-2 draw in their last match, and now they will have a great opportunity to make it into the knockout rounds in their debut appearance in the World Cup. They will take on the Asian giants, Saudi Arabia, who come into this game after getting trashed against Spain by 4-0.

In two matches, Cape Verde earned two draws against two top-quality opponents. Now getting a win in their last group game becomes very important if they want to go into the next phase of the competition. The way they have been disciplined throughout these two matches, fans can expect a similar tactical performance from them.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia will look to bounce back after their humiliating defeat against La Roja. They did get a point against Uruguay, but somehow failed to perform similarly against the mighty Spain. They can’t afford to take Cape Verde lightly at all, as this will be a very competitive encounter.

The Green Falcons have never been into the knockout rounds, and now they will hope they make it for the first time in their history. This will be a top-quality fixture, as the stakes are high and we can expect it to be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Houston, USA
• Stadium: Houston Stadium
• Date: Friday, 26 June
• Kick-Off Time: 08:00 PM (EST) | 27/06/2026, 01:00 AM (GMT) | 27/06/2026, 05:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Cape Verde (in all competitions): D-D-W-W-W

Saudi Arabia (in all competitions): L-D-D-W-L

Players to Watch

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

After his heroic display against Spain in the first group game, Vozinha is a very well-known goalkeeper in the World. Now he will have a huge responsibility to carry his team in the final game, as this game will have high stakes. Saudi’s attack is also lethal, and he is someone who is a great shot stopper despite being 40 years old. His reflexes are still top-notch, and currently, he is in fine form.

Mohamed Kanno (Saudi Arabia)

Kanno is a key midfield player for the Green Falcons; his brilliant performance against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup is still one of the best. He hopes to help his National Team once again, as they will have a great chance of making it into the knockout rounds for the very first time.

He plays for Saudi giants Al Hilal, this season he played 39 games in which he scored five goals and provided three assists. This will be his 80th game for his country.

Match Facts

• This will be the first time these two sides face each other in the World Cup
• Cape Verde got their first-ever point in the World Cup against Uruguay
• Both sides have one point from two matches

Cape Verde vs Spain: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – This fixture to end in a stalemate – 12/5 by UNIBET
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

All the players are fully fit to play in the upcoming clash from both sides, and there are no suspension concerns as well.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first time these two sides will face each other in a competitive fixture

Predicted Lineups

Cape Verde Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Vozinha (GK); Moreira, Lopes, Costa, Pina; Telmo Arcanjo, Duarte, Pina, Cabral; Livramento, Benchimol

Saudi Arabia Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Al-Owais (GK); Abdulhamid, Al-Tambakti, Ali Lajami, Boushal; Kanno, Al-Khaibari, Al-Juwayr; Salem Al-Dawsari, Al-Buraikan, Al-Shehri

Match Prediction

Both sides will be aiming to win this fixture; this will be the first time they lock horns in the World Cup. Both sides will be optimistic of getting a positive result from this match. Most probably, this match will end in a stalemate.

Prediction: Cape Verde 2-2 Saudi Arabia

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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