Cape Verde face Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning, needing only a draw to give themselves an excellent chance of reaching the World Cup round of 32.
Two points from draws against Spain and Uruguay have placed Bubista’s side in a position few imagined possible before the tournament. Victory seals progression outright. A draw keeps their fate in their own hands. The Blue Sharks have everything to play for — and, for once, the weight of expectation sits elsewhere.
Cape Verde team news
Bubista is without left-back Sidny Lopes Cabral, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards across the opening two matches. Joao Paulo is the expected replacement on the left side of a back four that has otherwise been solid throughout the group stage. Telmo Arcanjo is unlikely to recover from his hamstring problem in time to start.
The midfielder was substituted during the Uruguay game and has not trained fully since. Deroy Duarte, the natural successor who came on in his place against Uruguay, is ready to fill the role. Jovane Cabral is also being assessed after a knock and is not expected to be risked from the start, given the importance of the occasion and the need to protect the squad.
The rest of the lineup picks itself. Vozinha — 40 years old and already one of the stories of the tournament — continues in goal and is in line for his 93rd cap. Roberto Lopes and Diney Borges remain the central defensive partnership that has kept Spain scoreless and limited Uruguay.
Kevin Pina anchors the midfield, providing both defensive cover and the set-piece threat that produced the longest-range goal at this World Cup. Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time top scorer with 22 goals, is set to earn his 100th international cap in this fixture. Gilson Benchimol leads the line, with Garry Rodrigues and Jamiro Monteiro in the wide positions.
Cape Verde predicted lineup
Cape Verde possible starting XI (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; J. Paulo, D. Borges, P. Lopes, S. Moreira; K. Pina; G. Rodrigues, J. Monteiro, D. Duarte, R. Mendes; G. Benchimol
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup group match kicks off at 01:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
How to watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia?
The match will be broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK.
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