Cape Verde need to avoid defeat to Saudi Arabia to stay alive, and a win would definitely send them through to the round of 32. A draw can also be enough, depending on the Spain-Uruguay result and tiebreakers.

What the scenarios mean

  • Win vs Saudi Arabia: Cape Verde qualify automatically.
  • Draw vs Saudi Arabia: They likely qualify, and can be certain in some combinations of the other Group H result, especially if Spain beat Uruguay.
  • Loss vs Saudi Arabia: They are out.

Extra detail

Cape Verde had already drawn with Spain and Uruguay, so they entered the final group match unbeaten and in strong position. Their qualification path depends on Group H tiebreakers too, including goal difference and goals scored if teams finish level on points.

TL;DR

Best case: beat Saudi Arabia and advance.
Still possible: draw and go through with help elsewhere.
No chance: lose and they’re eliminated.