Saudi Arabia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign came to an end at the group stage after a frustrating goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Saudi Arabia went into the match knowing only a win would take them into the knockout stage.
Chances were limited in the first half, with Mohamed Kanno going closest for Saudi Arabia when his looping header was held by Vozinha.
Cape Verde carried more threat after the break, with Jamiro Monteiro shooting straight at Mohammed Al-Owais before Kevin Pina drove narrowly wide from distance.
Saudi Arabia had a rare opening when Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat shot from a tight angle, but Vozinha got across to keep it out.
Al-Owais later denied Laros Duarte one-on-one as Cape Verde began to find space on the counter.
Saudi Arabia pushed forward late on, but Abdullah Al-Hamdan’s stoppage-time effort was comfortably saved by Vozinha.
Cape Verde almost won the match in the final seconds when Garry Rodrigues cut the ball back for Nuno da Costa, who fired wide with the goal gaping.
Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Al Owais
Saud Abdulhamid
Abdulelah Al Amri
Hassan Al Tambakti
Ali Lajami 33′
Nawaf Al-Boushail
Moteb Al-Harbi 82′
Sultan Mandash
Abdullah Al-Hamdan 65′
Abdullah Alkhaibari
Musab Al-Juwayr 46′
Mohamed Kanno
Nasser Al-Dawsari
Salem Al-Dawsari
Mohammed Abu Al Shamat 65′
Firas Al-Buraikan
Cape Verde
Vozinha
Wagner Pina
Steven Moreira 90+4′
Roberto Lopes
Diney Borges
João Paulo
Kevin Pina
Ryan Mendes
Garry Rodrigues 71′
Deroy Duarte
Jamiro Monteiro
Laros Duarte 71′
Willy Semedo
Hélio Varela 61′
Dailon Livramento
Nuno da Costa 61′
