HOUSTON — Saudi Arabia will face Cape Verde in a decisive Group H clash early Saturday, knowing victory is essential to keep its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign alive and secure a place in the round of 32.
The Green Falcons enter their final group-stage match with one point after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and losing 4-0 to Spain. A win over Cape Verde would keep Saudi Arabia firmly in contention for qualification, with its final group position depending on the outcome of the other Group H match between Spain and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia also remains in the race to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Green Falcons are aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time since their memorable run to the round of 16 at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which remains the nation’s best-ever performance on football’s biggest stage.
Saudi Arabia opened its campaign with an impressive display against Uruguay, earning a 1-1 draw after a disciplined defensive performance highlighted by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais. However, the team struggled against Spain in its second match, conceding four goals as defensive mistakes proved costly.
Group H remains wide open heading into the final round of fixtures. Spain leads the standings with four points, while Uruguay and Cape Verde each have two points and Saudi Arabia has one, leaving all four teams with a chance of progressing.
Cape Verde, making its World Cup debut, is chasing a historic first qualification for the knockout rounds after holding both Spain and Uruguay to draws.
Saudi Arabia completed its preparations on Thursday in Houston, Texas, with a final training session at Houston Dynamo’s training ground under head coach Georgios Donis. The session included warm-ups, possession drills, a half-pitch practice match and set-piece work.
Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal attended the team’s final training session and met with the players ahead of the decisive encounter. Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi continued his rehabilitation program under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff.
Speaking ahead of the match, Donis expressed confidence in his squad and insisted Saudi Arabia would stay true to its playing identity despite the high stakes.
“We have tried to make the best use of our training sessions after the Spain match. The most important thing has been restoring confidence, responsibility and mental stability. Overall, our preparations have been good and we have a good team,” Donis said.
The Greek coach described Cape Verde as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
“They are one of the surprises of this World Cup. They are well organized, physically strong and impressed me with their defensive structure against Spain and Uruguay. They are also dangerous on the counterattack. We know we will face a difficult opponent, but I believe in my team.”
Donis said Saudi Arabia would not abandon its tactical approach.
“I want my team to play with consistency and stability. We have used the same system in four of our last five matches, and that reflects my philosophy.”
He acknowledged Saudi Arabia lacked courage against Spain but believes his players are capable of responding.
“What was missing against Spain was courage. Against Cape Verde we want to control the game, take calculated risks and attack with confidence while remaining organized. We believe we can produce the performance we need.”
Donis also dismissed suggestions that the pressure surrounding the match would affect his players.
“There are matches where you don’t need to motivate the players mentally because they already understand the importance of the occasion. Our job as coaches is to provide them with stability and confidence. They know what is expected of them, and we want them to play with personality rather than fear.”
The Saudi coach declined to comment on the team’s extensive travel schedule during the tournament, saying his only focus was preparing the squad to deliver a winning performance.
“Our focus is on going onto the pitch, giving everything we have and making our supporters happy,” he said.
Source: Saudi Gazette