Cape Verde qualified for the FIFA World Cup round of 32 after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, becoming the smallest nation by population to reach the men’s World Cup knockouts, according to the report. The island nation, with a population of just over 500,000, will meet defending champions Argentina in the next phase.
Senegal also secured progression with a 5-0 victory over Iraq, while Egypt finished second in Group G after a 1-1 draw with Iran, according to the report. Those results confirmed both Senegal’s and Egypt’s places in the knockout stage.
Ghana have been assured of advancement as well. Following a 0-0 draw with England, the Black Stars will play Croatia in their final Group L fixture on Saturday with group seeding still to be decided, according to the report.
Other matches involving African teams are also scheduled for Saturday. Congo DR are set to face Uzbekistan, and Algeria will meet Austria, according to the report. Organisers noted that both Algeria and Austria have said they intend to pursue victory rather than trying to engineer a draw that would affect potential opponents in the next round.
The report added that Senegal seized its final opportunity to reach the knockouts, while Cape Verde’s advancement marks a historic milestone for the tournament given the country’s small population. All results and upcoming fixtures were listed in the World Cup coverage for June 26, according to the report.
