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The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured one of the greatest underdog stories in the tournament’s history.
After expanding to a 48-team format, Cabo Verde made its first World Cup appearance and faced two of FIFA’s top teams (at the time) in No. 1 ranked Argentina and No. 2 ranked Spain.
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Messi and Argentina were pushed to the brink of elimination by Cabo Verde. FIFA via Getty Images
Neither Argentina or Spain could defeat Cabo Verde, a country with a population of approximately 530,000 people, in regulation. The squad pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination in the Round of 32 Friday after forcing extra time with the score tied 2-2.
Though Cabo Verde eventually fell to the soccer juggernaut 3-2, the team ended their journey through the tournament in the best way possible.
Cabo Verde faced Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay during the group stage, all of which resulted in a draw.
Cabo Verde became the smallest-ever nation to qualify for the knockout rounds at the World Cup and delivered the performance of a lifetime against Argentina.
The unlikely hero for Cabo Verde was goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, who is commonly known as Vozinha. The 40-year-old finished Friday’s match with seven saves, 100% successful dribbles, 100% ground duels won, two passes into the final third, eight recoveries and one defensive contribution against Argentina.
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Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became a popular name following his performance in the team’s World Cup opener against Spain. Xinhua/Shutterstock
Vozinha put himself on the map when he recorded seven saves on 27 shots against Spain in Cabo Verde’s World Cup opener. His heroics earned him millions of new followers on Instagram, with Vozinha ended the tournament with more than 18 million additional followers.
Regardless of which nation wins the tournament, Cabo Verde’s World Cup run won’t be forgotten.
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