Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to reach the global tournament after Iceland.
The Blue Sharks sealed their spot with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Eswatini in Praia, finishing top of their group ahead of continental giants Cameroon.
Dailon Livramento opened the scoring early in the second half, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead and veteran defender Stopira added a third in stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations at the National Stadium.
With a population of just over 520,000, the island nation’s qualification marks a remarkable achievement for a team that only began competing in World Cup qualifiers two decades ago.
President José Maria Neves joined thousands of fans in celebration, as the country’s long-shot World Cup dream became reality.
Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes said the expanded World Cup format, which gives Africa nine automatic slots, helped smaller nations like Cape Verde.
Under coach Bubista, in charge since 2020, Cape Verde have built a disciplined, cohesive team—relying largely on diaspora players and foreign-based stars.
The Blue Sharks join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana as the six African nations to have secured qualification so far for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
