local
Cape Verde's dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round
By The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· June 26, 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 com...
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 Trophy Club
Trophy Club residents who follow international soccer are likely abuzz about Cape Verde's historic World Cup run, and the team's improbable success may have a particular resonance for local fans who appreciate underdog stories. As a community that values determination and grit, Trophy Club may find itself drawn to the plucky island nation's fighting spirit, embodied by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha. With Cape Verde set to face reigning champion Argentina in Miami on July 3, local soccer enthusiasts may be eager to tune in and see if the team's remarkable streak continues. The match could also spark interest in local soccer leagues and programs, potentially inspiring young players in Trophy Club to strive for similar greatness on the pitch. As the World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Trophy Club's soccer fans will be watching with bated breath to see what's next for Cape Verde.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
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 com...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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