Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde Tips, Odds & Prediction for World Cup 2026

* Odds from Betway, accurate at the time of writing.

Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday morning, kicking off at 02:00 CAT on the last Group H matchday. After a heavy loss to Spain, Saudi Arabia need a win to keep their qualification hopes going, while Cape Verde can make the knockout rounds at their first World Cup if they win. You can find all our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia opened the tournament with a hard-fought draw against Uruguay, then were well beaten by Spain. Salem Al-Dawsari is their chief creator, and they will need him at his sharpest to break Cape Verde down. Herve Renard will probably make changes after the defeat to Spain, and there are no new injury problems in the squad. They know only a win will be enough, so I think they will push men forward in search of the goal, or goals, they need.

Expected Lineup: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Al-Tambakti, Lajami, Al-Harbi; Kanno, Al-Khaibari, N. Al-Sawsari, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan, Al-Juwayr.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde have been the big surprise of the group, holding Spain to a scoreless draw and picking up a point against Uruguay. They are well drilled, and goalkeeper Vozinha has been superb behind a disciplined defence. Aware that a win sends them through, I think they will back themselves instead of playing for a point. They have a fully fit squad and genuine belief that they can make it out of the Group Stage.

Expected Lineup: Vozinha; S. Moreira, R. Lopes, Diney, Lopes Cabral; K. Pina; Arcanjo, Mendes, Monteiro, G. Rodrigues; Tavares.

Both sides need a win to be sure of getting out of the Group Stage, which should make for an open game with chances at either end. Cape Verde have looked the more composed team all through the group, and I slightly prefer them to win a high tempo match. My forecast: Saudi Arabia 1 Cape Verde 2.

BTTS: Yes (1.78)

My pick is both teams to score. Saudi Arabia are chasing a result they cannot do without, and Cape Verde want to wrap up qualification, so both teams will attack. Saudi Arabia scored against Uruguay, and Cape Verde look dangerous, especially through Livramento, so 1.78 on both teams scoring is appealing.