World Cup 2026: Nothing is impossible for Cape Verde in knockout rounds – Bubista

Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey has continued to capture attention after the island nation secured a place in the Round of 32, where they will face reigning champions Argentina and Lionel Messi on July 3 in Miami.

A goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in Houston was enough to seal second place in their group, extending an unbeaten run that has already defied expectations.

The result ensured qualification for the knockout phase in a tournament debut that has already delivered landmark moments for the third-smallest nation by population ever to compete at this level.

For a country of just over half a million people, the achievement has sparked celebrations at home, where supporters stayed awake into the early hours to follow a campaign that continues to rewrite national football history.

A fearless message from the touchline

Head coach Bubista, who addressed the media wrapped in the Cape Verde flag, struck an unwavering tone of belief as he reflected on his team’s progress and the challenge that lies ahead.

“To us, nothing is impossible,” said Cape Verde’s coach Bubista, who came into the press conference wrapped in his country’s flag.

The coach has overseen a disciplined and tactically mature side that has now drawn all three of its group matches, including a standout 0-0 result against European champions Spain in their opening fixture.

That defensive resilience has become the backbone of their unexpected run, turning a debut appearance into a statement of intent rather than a learning experience.

Pride beyond results

While the numbers alone tell a story of overachievement, Bubista was keen to stress the wider meaning of Cape Verde’s campaign, both for his squad and for the nation they represent.

“Ourselves and the people of Cape Verde have to be proud of what the team has done,” added the coach, who goes by one name.

The sentiment reflects a growing sense that the team’s impact stretches far beyond the pitch. For many back home, the performances have offered a rare moment of collective pride on football’s biggest stage, with the squad acting as ambassadors for a nation rarely represented at this level of global sport.

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the west of Africa, has never before reached the knockout phase of a World Cup. Their progress alone has already ensured this tournament will be remembered as a defining moment in their sporting history.

Argentina challenge looms large

Attention now turns to a daunting Round of 32 clash with Argentina, a fixture that pits one of football’s emerging stories against one of its most decorated forces.

“First of all, we are proud to be able to play Argentina,” said Bubista, whose side are ranked 67th and drew all three of their group games.

That includes a historic opening draw with Spain, a result that helped set the tone for a campaign built on organisation, discipline and belief rather than star power.

“Of course, for our team, for the players and for all our people, it is a reason to be joyful,” he said.

He also reiterated the broader purpose behind the team’s journey on the world stage.

“From the very beginning, we’ve said that one of the purposes we had was to show our country to the rest of the world.”

“And to be able to play Argentina and Messi in a phase like this is excellent for our country, regardless of the match itself.”

Inspiration beyond borders

Bubista believes Cape Verde’s achievement can serve as motivation for smaller footballing nations across the globe, proving that structure and belief can bridge traditional gaps in footballing power.

“Of course we represent our country, but we also represent Africa. And beyond that, we represent the small countries around the world,” he said.

“And this is our mission. We are an example that shows that if you work with focus and determination, sooner or later you will arrive at your goal.”