Is Cape Verde in or out of the World Cup? How 3 draws didn't actually impact third-place standings

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Cape Verde has captured hearts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without even winning a game so far.

Through three matches, the country also known as Cabo Verde has three draws.

In many years, that wouldn't get a team out of its group.

This year, though, Cape Verde didn't even need to settle for the battle for a third-place spot.

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Is Cape Verde still alive in the World Cup?

Yep, Cape Verde is still playing for the Round of 32.

Their three draws were enough to earn second place in their group, which is rare to do on just 3 points.

That's because almost every other match in the group was a draw, too.

Spain had two wins, in addition to its draw with Cape Verde.

But Uruguay drew both Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, and the Saudis drew the two teams that weren't Spain, as well.

That left Uruguay and Saudi Arabia both on 2 points in three matches.

It's a rare group outcome, but it was made possible by a lot of draws.

And now, those group standings have Spain on 7 points, Cape Verde on 3 and the other two on 2.

That sends Cape Verde through -- with the matchup set, Argentina.