Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever after topping their qualifying group.
The Blue Sharks sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Eswatini on Monday, October 13, in Praia. The win ensured the island nation finished first in Group D with 23 points — four ahead of second-placed Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup participant, who were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaoundé.
With a population of just over 550,000, Cape Verde becomes the second smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup, following Iceland’s debut at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
“Giving this happiness to these people is enormous,” said an emotional coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito. “It’s a victory for all Cape Verdeans and, above all, for those who fought for our independence. It’s a special moment in this 50th anniversary celebration.”
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 39, also shared in the emotion. “I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a child,” he said. “It’s time to celebrate.”
After a tight first half, Cape Verde took control in the second. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring just three minutes after the restart with his fourth goal of the campaign, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead in the 54th minute. Substitute Stopira sealed the win in stoppage time to send the 15,000 home fans into wild celebration.
The qualification caps a remarkable turnaround for Cape Verde, who had stumbled early in the campaign with a 0–0 draw against Angola and a 4–1 loss to Cameroon. They went on an inspired run afterward, winning five consecutive matches — including crucial one-goal victories home and away.
“It’s too emotional. I embrace all Cape Verdean people, at home and across our great diaspora,” said Stopira, while captain Ryan Mendes added, “Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy.”
Cape Verde’s success reflects the strength of its global football network. Many players were born abroad to Cape Verdean parents or grandparents, including Livramento from Rotterdam and Semedo from near Paris.
Coach Bubista, 55, who took charge in 2020 after serving as assistant coach, previously led the team to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 and 2024, reaching the knockout stages both times. Despite missing out on the next AFCON, the federation kept faith in him — a decision now rewarded with a historic World Cup qualification.
“This qualification means everything,” Bubista said. “It’s for the people, for our football, and for the dream we all share.”
Cape Verde will now join Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — marking a golden chapter in the nation’s football story.