local
Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round
By Kristie Rieken, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 27, 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 completed ...
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 Terrell Hills News
For San Antonio soccer fans, Cape Verde's historic run to the World Cup knockout round is a thrilling development, especially given the city's own rich soccer culture. As the smallest country to ever reach this stage, Cape Verde's achievement is a testament to the power of determination and teamwork, values that resonate deeply in the Alamo City. With Cape Verde set to face reigning champion Argentina in Miami on July 3, local fans will be watching with bated breath to see if the underdogs can pull off another stunning upset. The fact that Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha has gained a massive following on social media, including over 16 million Instagram followers, is also likely to generate interest among San Antonio's soccer enthusiasts, who will be eager to see how this charismatic player performs on the world stage.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
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 completed ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kristie Rieken, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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