At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has entered an elite list, becoming only the third goalkeeper in tournament history to record multiple clean sheets after turning 40. The 40-year-old achieved this milestone during Cabo Verde's historic qualification for the knockout stage, holding Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in their final Group H match.
Historic Achievement for Vozinha
According to OptaJose's X handle, Vozinha joins England's Peter Shilton and Italy legend Dino Zoff in this rare statistical category. Shilton leads the chart with three such clean sheets, while Zoff and Vozinha are tied with two each. Vozinha's two clean sheets in the ongoing tournament helped Cabo Verde secure a spot in the Round of 32.
Cabo Verde, known as the Blue Sharks, are the smallest nation ever to qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. They are also the third smallest nation to play at the global finals. The team drew all three of their group matches to progress in second place behind table-toppers Spain, according to the FIFA Website.
Group Stage Performance
Cabo Verde became the first nation since Chile at the 1998 World Cup to advance from the group stage after drawing all of their matches. The Blue Sharks impressed earlier by holding European champions Spain in their opening fixture and securing a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. Their latest result, a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, confirmed their qualification alongside Spain. Saudi Arabia ended the campaign at the bottom of the group with two points.
In the match against Saudi Arabia, both sides found it difficult to break the deadlock in a cagey first half, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Cabo Verde's Jamiro Monteiro came closest when he broke past Saud Abdulhamid and forced Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais into a save from his low effort.
Second Half Chances
Monteiro threatened again early in the second half after Wagner Pina created space on the right and cut the ball back, but his shot lacked power and was comfortably collected by Al-Owais. Kevin Pina later tested Al-Owais with a curling left-footed strike that narrowly missed the target. Al-Owais was called into action again as Cabo Verde counter-attacked through Nuno da Costa, who set up Laros Duarte, but the keeper produced a strong save to deny him.
Da Costa also missed a late chance when Garry Rodrigues provided a low cut-back, but his side-footed effort went just wide of the post. Despite the missed opportunities, Cabo Verde held on to secure a famous qualification for the Round of 32. Deroy Duarte was adjudged Player of the Match for his standout performance.
Upcoming Knockout Clash
Coach Bubista will now lead his side into a knockout clash against defending champions Argentina in Miami on July 3. Cabo Verde's historic run continues as they aim to make further strides in the tournament.
