Steven Moreira and Cape Verde Create More World Cup History with Stunning Performance Against Uruguay
Cape Verde has emerged as a surprise contender in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning crucial points against top-tier opponents in consecutive matches. The team secured a 2-2 comeback tie against Uruguay on Sunday, following a historic 0-0 draw with Spain last Monday. Defender Steven Moreira has been instrumental in both matches, playing 90 minutes and helping Cape Verde inch closer to a knockout-round berth.
Cape Verde will conclude Group H play against Saudi Arabia on June 26, defying pre-tournament expectations. With another draw, the team could qualify for the Round of 32, or potentially top Group H depending on the outcome of the Spain vs. Uruguay match. As the 67th-ranked team in the FIFA World Ranking, Cape Verde was considered a significant underdog against powerhouses like Spain and Uruguay.
Despite being a World Cup debutant, Cape Verde has held its own, including a scoreless draw against 2010 World Cup champions Spain. The team has also frustrated two-time World Cup champions Uruguay, with Real Salt Lake's Juan Manuel Sanabria featuring for La Celeste. Cape Verde is one of four teams making their World Cup debut in the expanded 48-team tournament and is the second-smallest nation to qualify.
The country, located off the coast of West Africa, has a population of around 530,000 and a significant Portuguese influence. Cape Verde's squad features a mix of international players, including former French youth international Steven Moreira, San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, and midfielder Jamiro Monteiro, who has played for the Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes.
Cape Verde will conclude Group H play against Saudi Arabia on June 26, defying pre-tournament expectations. With another draw, the team could qualify for the Round of 32, or potentially top Group H depending on the outcome of the Spain vs. Uruguay match. As the 67th-ranked team in the FIFA World Ranking, Cape Verde was considered a significant underdog against powerhouses like Spain and Uruguay.
Despite being a World Cup debutant, Cape Verde has held its own, including a scoreless draw against 2010 World Cup champions Spain. The team has also frustrated two-time World Cup champions Uruguay, with Real Salt Lake's Juan Manuel Sanabria featuring for La Celeste. Cape Verde is one of four teams making their World Cup debut in the expanded 48-team tournament and is the second-smallest nation to qualify.
The country, located off the coast of West Africa, has a population of around 530,000 and a significant Portuguese influence. Cape Verde's squad features a mix of international players, including former French youth international Steven Moreira, San Diego FC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, and midfielder Jamiro Monteiro, who has played for the Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes.
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