Cabo Verde have emerged as one of the tournament's biggest surprise packages. Making their World Cup debut, they have impressed in their opening two matches by earning hard-fought draws against tournament heavyweights Spain and Uruguay. Those results have left the African nation on the brink of a historic qualification, with just one win separating them from a place in the last 32.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, came into the contest after a difficult 4-0 defeat to reigning European champions Spain. Although the scoreline appeared one-sided, the Saudis were punished by Spain's clinical finishing and relentless attacking play, conceding three goals within the opening 25 minutes. Their overall performance was not without positives, but they struggled to cope with the pace and precision of the Spanish attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite that setback, Saudi Arabia remains firmly in contention for progression. Like Cabo Verde, they know that three points in this decisive encounter should be enough to book their place in the knockout stages, setting up a high-stakes battle between two teams chasing history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
How to watch Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia live in India: <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Key details<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Date and kick-off time: Saturday, June 27, 5:30 AM IST<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Referee: Fran\u00e7ois Letexier<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Squads:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cabo Verde-<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, C.J. dos Santos<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, Kelvin Pires, lLanique'Stopira' Tavares<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Saudi Arabia -<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Al-Kassar, Mohammed Al-Owais, Nawaf Al-Aqidi<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Defenders: Saud Abdulhamid, Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, Khalid Al-Ghannam, Moteb Al-Harbi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Nawaf Boushal, Hassan<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kadesh, Ali Lajami, Ali Majrashi, Hassan Tambakti, Jehad Thikri<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielders: Nasser Al-Dawsari, Alaa Al-Hajji, Ziyad Al-Johani, Musab Al-Juwayr, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Mohammed Kanno, Sultan Mandash,<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kadesh, Ali Lajami, Ali Majrashi, Hassan Tambakti, Jehad Thikri<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forwards: Feras Al-Brikan, Salem Al-Dawsari, Abdullah Al-Hamdan, Saleh Al-Shehri<\/p>\r\n\r\n