Another round of fierce Rotterdam celebrations after Cape Verde draw with Saudi Arabia

Cape Verde reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. The result triggered another round of celebrations in Rotterdam, where five of Cape Verde’s players were born. Another six members of the squad were born elsewhere in the Netherlands.

The team's result followed earlier group-stage draws against Spain and Uruguay, with qualification still dependent on the final group results.

Cape Verde secured advancement after the goalless draw, with Spain’s win over Uruguay ensuring that a point was enough to progress. The final whistle came around 4:00 a.m., triggering immediate celebrations inside Villa Thalia, where hundreds had gathered.

Supporters later moved the celebrations to Heemraadsplein, a central gathering point for the Cape Verdean community in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands, Rijnmond reported. Other fans reacted by setting off fireworks, driving through the city, honking horns, and waving Cape Verdean flags.

Before and during the match at Villa Thalia, supporters described the tension around qualification to Rijnmond. One said, “We’ll take three points and go through.” Another said, “We’re satisfied anyway, because we’re at the World Cup.”

After qualification was confirmed, one supporter said, “This is for our parents, grandparents, and the entire family. And also for Rotterdam. Everyone in Cape Verde has dreamed of this for a long time, and it has happened.”