Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Preview
Cape Verde have been solid at the 2026 World Cup and Saudi Arabia have drawn plenty of recent matches. There’s little between these Group H opponents and a draw has good value.
Back to Back Cape Verde Draws
- Cape Verde have drawn their last 2 matches.
- Saudi Arabia have drawn 2 of their last 3 games.
H2H
This will be the first-ever meeting between Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Cape Verde in Hard to Beat Form
World Cup debutants Cape Verde have taken two points from their opening two games in Group H. The Blue Sharks are sixth in the best-of-third-placed rankings and have a chance to reach the knockout stages.
Bubista’s side have lost just once in their previous 17 games in all competitions, drawing eight. Cape Verde are undefeated in five consecutive matches, including a 0-0 2026 World Cup draw with Spain.
The Atlantic island team continued their strong recent form with a 2-2 stalemate against Uruguay. Kevin Lenini scored a free-kick and Uruguay struck twice before Helio Varela levelled in the 61st minute.
Saudi Arabia Improving Under Donis
Saudi Arabia have become tougher to beat since Georgios Donis’ appointment in April. The Green Falcons are unbeaten in three of their last four games, with two draws.
The Middle Eastern outfit were unbeaten in three, defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 and drawing with Senegal 0-0. Saudi Arabia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
Donis’ outfit couldn’t maintain their unbeaten run and lost 4-0 against European champions Spain. The Green Falcons trailed 3-0 at half time and Hassan Tambakti scored a second-half own goal.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Cape Verde (4-1-4-1): Vozinha; Steven Moreira, Pico Lopes, Diney Borges, Stopira; Kevin Lenini; Ryan Mendes, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues; Gilson Benchimol
Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral is suspended against Saudi Arabia.
Bubista addressed his side’s chances against Saudi Arabia pre-match and said, “We know the value of Saudi Arabia and we have to respect our opponent for everything that they have done.
“Our team needs to keep their feet on the ground, knowing it will be a difficult game.”
Saudi Arabia (4-4-2): Mohammed Al Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al Amri, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Moteb Al Harbi; Mohammed Abu Al Shamat, Mohamed Kanno, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Salem Al Dawsari; Firas Al Buraikan, Musab Al Juwayr
Saudi Arabia have no injuries or suspensions.