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Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round
By Kristie Rieken, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 27, 2026
· 4 min read
Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. “We are small,” he said. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”Cape Verde completed ...
Key takeaway ”Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw, a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own soccer enthusiasts are likely to take notice of Cape Verde's remarkable run in the World Cup, particularly given the city's strong affinity for the sport. As the smallest country to advance to the knockout round, Cape Verde's story is one of determination and grit, qualities that resonate with San Antonio's own underdog spirit. The Alamo City has a rich soccer history, with a loyal fan base that follows both local and international teams. Cape Verde's improbable success may inspire local soccer players and teams, particularly those from smaller schools or clubs, to strive for greatness despite the odds. With Cape Verde set to face reigning champion Argentina in Miami, San Antonio fans will be watching closely to see how this Cinderella story unfolds, and perhaps drawing parallels to their own favorite teams' struggles and triumphs.
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 27, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. “We are small,” he said. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”Cape Verde completed ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristie Rieken, 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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