Cape Verde target World Cup knockout rounds after hard-fought Uruguay draw: Coach Bubista
Cape Verde moved within touching distance of the World Cup knockout stages after a 2-2 draw on Sunday, with coach Bubista saying qualification is now the team’s clear aim heading into their final Group H game.
The World Cup debutants followed up their surprise goalless draw against Spain with another eye-catching result on Sunday, picking up a point from the South American heavyweights to stay firmly in the hunt for a place in the last 32. Cape Verde, ranked 63rd in the world, head into their final Group H match against Saudi Arabia knowing a win could secure historic progress from the group stage.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 URUGUAY VS CAPE VERDE HEADS
Bubista said after the match that his team showed that belief and determination can bridge the gap between traditional football powerhouses and smaller nations. “Once you’re on the field, a lot of things get evened out. How big the opponent is on the world stage, a lot of national teams get equalized,” Bubista told reporters.
“We wanted to show it not only in football, but also in other aspects of life.
“Show that you can achieve great things regardless of your challenges, financial or of any other kind. All you have to do is have a dream and chase it.”
Cape Verde’s performances turned around during the tournament. Draws with former world champions Spain and Uruguay left them in third place in Group H on two points, level with Uruguay and two behind leaders Spain. Saudi Arabia is in last place with one point ahead of the last round of matches.
These results encouraged Bubista to think beyond just competing on the world’s biggest stage.
“Given what we’ve done with two international-level teams, I think we have to focus on qualifying,” he said.
“If we were to think about it, I think it’s legitimate just with what we’ve done. But we also know that any of those teams have an opportunity to move forward as well.”
For Bubista, however, the tournament is about more than results. The coach believes Cape Verde’s presence at the World Cup offers an opportunity to introduce the nation to a global audience.
“We’re here to show our country to the whole world. So it’s not just about how we play football. It’s about everything, our culture, our music, our history, our fans – all of it,” he said.
“We want people all over the world to know Cape Verde as we are and show the identity of our people.”
Despite growing optimism, Bubista warned against complacency ahead of the crucial clash with Saudi Arabia, who also remain in contention for qualification.
“They have to keep their feet on the ground. We know it will be a tough game as well. Saudi Arabia also has a chance to qualify,” he said.
“Obviously, these will be tough games for all teams, but we will definitely try to win.”
Earlier, Bubista shared a moment with Uruguayan coach Marcelo Bielsa and presented the Argentina veteran with a gift as a sign of respect.
“For me and many other coaches, especially in Africa, Bielsa is a master. We studied what he did during his career,” said Bubista.
“I was really happy to meet him in person.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
Jun 22, 2026 07:43 IST