- Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are nearly equal in odds for their match on Friday, with Saudi Arabia slightly ahead at +164.
- There are +100 odds for the 2, 2.5-goal total to go under.
- The two teams have combined for just three goals in each of their first two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
HOUSTON – A match between two teams on their last legs is set for Friday, as Cape Verde faces Saudi Arabia in what could be both teams’ last match of the tournament or an opportunity for one of them to grab a spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Match Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | 0.0 (-108) | +170 | O 2, 2.5 (-120) |
| Spain | 0.0 (-112) | +164 | U 2, 2.5 (+100) |
| Saudi Arabia | — | +230 | — |
Legal sports betting sites view this match as a true toss-up, listing Saudi Arabia as ever-so-slight favorites with +164 odds to defeat Cape Verde, who have +170 odds to win outright and the odds of a draw are not far behind at +230.
They currently sit at the third and fourth spots in the Group H standings, but both could earn a spot in the Round of 32 with a win on Friday.
Cape Verde have had somewhat of an anomalous run to begin the tournament, stalemating with top contender Spain 0-0 in a match where they were outshot 27-6, allowed seven shots on goal, and had an expected 2.1 goals against, but managed to hold on to earn a point in the standings.
In their second match, they were once again outshot, this time by a margin of 17-12. However, they only allowed two shots on goal, but each of those two shots resulted in goals, essentially the complete opposite of their defensive performance against Spain.
Saudi Arabia has been more or less dominated throughout each of their first two matches, controlling the possession for just 33% of the time against the same two opponents as Cape Verde and being outshot by a combined 49-10.
Bet Under 2, 2.5 Goals To Be Scored (+100)
Neither team has shown much offensive prowess thus far and there is no reason to believe that will change today. The two teams have combined for 0.95 expected goals per game, totaling just three goals in the first two games for each.
Cape Verde saw elite goaltending from goaltender Vozhina in their match against Spain, saving seven shots before allowing two goals on two shots on goal from Uruguay. If they can match their shot-limiting defense with a solid performance from their goalie, Cape Verde should be able to shut down the Saudis’ attack.
Saudi Arabia has struggled to limit shots defensively, allowing 27 shot attempts to Uruguay and 22 shot attempts to Spain, but held Uruguay to just one goal on ten shots on goal, showing that they can have some defensive chops at times, although they did allow four goals to Spain, one of the top teams in the world.
While neither team has been consistently great defensively, there have been flashes, much more than any indication of offensive firepower on either side. Bet on the under at World Cup betting sites and reap the rewards.
