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A big moment for a tiny island nation: Cape Verde gets 1st World Cup goal
By Alanis Thames, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
Cape Verde's magical start to its first World Cup isn't over.The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favorite Spain in last week's opener took a 1-0 lead over Uruguay early in their match on Kevin Pina's free kick. It was Cape Verde's first-ever goal in the World Cup.After Uruguay's Rodrig...
Key takeaway The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favorite Spain in last week's opener took a 1-0 lead over Uruguay early in their match on Kevin Pina's free kick.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own soccer enthusiasts are likely taking notice of Cape Verde's impressive World Cup run, and for good reason. As a city with a strong affinity for the sport, San Antonio residents can appreciate the underdog story of a small island nation taking on - and holding its own against - soccer powerhouses like Spain and Uruguay. The Alamo City is home to a diverse population with roots in various countries, including those with a passion for soccer, making Cape Verde's success a compelling narrative for local fans. Moreover, the city's own experiences with overcoming adversity and persevering through challenges can be seen in Cape Verde's resilient team, which has inspired smaller national teams around the world. As Cape Verde prepares to face Saudi Arabia in its final group match, San Antonio soccer fans will be watching closely to see if this Cinderella story continues to unfold.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Cape Verde's magical start to its first World Cup isn't over.The tiny island nation that stunned tournament favorite Spain in last week's opener took a 1-0 lead over Uruguay early in their match on Kevin Pina's free kick. It was Cape Verde's first-ever goal in the World Cup.After Uruguay's Rodrig...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alanis Thames, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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