Spertsyan to Al Ahli as Saudi Arabia exit World Cup

Spertsyan joins Al Ahli for €22m

Eduard Spertsyan is heading to the Saudi Pro League. Al Ahli have sealed a deal with Krasnodar for the Armenian midfielder, worth €22 million (1). The 26-year-old was previously on Ajax's radar, but he chose the Gulf instead. He arrives with a reputation as a creative force, 38 goals and 35 assists across 165 appearances for Krasnodar.

Cape Verde hold Saudi Arabia, it's over

Saudi Arabia are out of the 2026 World Cup. A 0–0 draw with Cape Verde on Friday night was not enough, Cape Verde take the point they needed and advance to the Round of 16 (2) (3). Your team exits after two matches: a 4–0 loss to Spain and this goalless stalemate. Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, finish second in Group H behind Spain.

Cape Verde celebrate a historic night

This was Cape Verde's moment and they knew it. Coach Bubista told his players beforehand: "You didn't come here just to play three matches" (2). Goalkeeper Vozinha called it "a great pride for us" after the final whistle (3). Midfielder Toni Varela was blunt: "This is more than football" (2). Cape Verde now face Argentina in the last 16.