Cabo Verde, an Atlantic archipelago of half a million people, has risen rapidly through African football — a World Cup place would be a landmark for the tiny nation.

Their road

Group game 1 · Mon 15 Jun

at Spain0–0 D

Group game 2 · Sun 21 Jun

at Uruguay2–2 D

Group game 3 · Fri 26 Jun

vs Saudi Arabia0–0 D

Round of 32 · Fri 3 Jul

at Argentina2–3 L

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.