Cape Verde takes on Saudi Arabia in a Group H World Cup matchup Friday night in Texas as both teams look to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.
Cape Verde opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a notable 0-0 draw against one of the tournament favorites, Spain, despite being thoroughly outplayed. Kevin Pina scored the match’s first goal on a free kick in the 21st minute of Cape Verde’s second match against Uruguay. However, Uruguay answered with two goals late in the first half before Hélio Varela found the back of the net from outside the box in the 61st minute to earn Cape Verde another draw.
Saudi Arabia also opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in a match in which it was heavily outplayed but received an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who made nine saves. Saudi Arabia couldn’t replicate that effort against Spain, falling 4-0 last Sunday in another match where it struggled defensively. To make matters worse, Hassan Al-Tambakti scored an own goal that accounted for Spain’s fourth goal.
Spain leads Group H with four points, but with Uruguay facing Spain at the same time Friday, Cape Verde still has a chance to win the group or, at the very least, secure second place and an automatic berth in the Round of 32. Saudi Arabia can no longer finish first, but it remains alive for second place or one of the tournament’s eight best third-place spots, although the path is a difficult one.
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia Current Odds
Cape Verde is a slight favorite, but Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook expects a tightly contested match with both teams carrying plus-money odds and the draw also attractively priced.
- Cape Verde: +155
- Saudi Arabia: +180
- Draw/Tie: +220
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia Predictions
Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia both remain alive in the race for the knockout stage, so don’t miss your chance to get in on the action. Head over to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook and check out the Stats Hub for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, standings, and picks like the one below:
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia Three-Way Moneyline Pick: Draw/Tie +220
Cape Verde may sit one point ahead of Saudi Arabia in the standings, but that’s no guarantee it will come away with a victory Friday night. Both teams have shown flashes of solid goalkeeping while struggling to consistently generate offense, making it difficult to give either side a clear edge.
It isn’t surprising that Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has this match priced so closely on the three-way moneyline. Given how evenly matched these teams appear, a draw stands out as a realistic outcome.
- Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia Three-Way Moneyline Pick for June 26: Draw/Tie +220
Popular Props for Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia
Player prop action continues to heat up heading into kickoff:
- Salem Al-Dawsari – Shots on Target Over 0.5
- Salem Al-Dawsari – Anytime Goalscorer
- Nuno da Costa – To Score or Assist
Cape Verde & Saudi Arabia Group H Winner Odds
Cape Verde remains alive in the race for the Group H title, although it’s a significant long shot. Saudi Arabia is no longer in contention to finish first:
- Cape Verde to win Group H: +6000
- Saudi Arabia to win Group H: N/A
Cape Verde & Saudi Arabia World Cup Winner Odds
Both teams are tied for the longest odds to win the 2026 World Cup:
- Cape Verde to win the World Cup: +250000
- Saudi Arabia to win the World Cup: +250000
Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia Match Info
- 📍 Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- 📅 Date: Friday, June 26
- ⏰ Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
- 📺 Where to Watch: FS1, Universo, FOX One
- 🏆 Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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