Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to achieve the feat after a 3-0 home victory over Eswatini in Praia.
The Blue Sharks’ triumph secured them top spot in Group D, edging out African heavyweights Cameroon to book their place at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
After a tense first half, Dailon Livramento put Cape Verde ahead early in the second half, slotting home a loose ball from close range. Moments later, Willy Semedo doubled the lead with a stunning volley before veteran defender Stopira sealed the victory in stoppage time. The final whistle set off scenes of wild celebration at the 15,000-capacity National Stadium.
An archipelago of 10 islands off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde has a population of just under 525,000 people, making it the second-smallest country ever to qualify for the global showpiece — only behind Iceland, who reached the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, the island nation has steadily risen in African football. The Blue Sharks have impressed in recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals on debut in 2013 and again in 2023, and currently rank 70th in the world.
Cape Verde’s qualification campaign was defined by resilience and determination. A crucial 1-0 win over Cameroon last month put them within touching distance of qualification. However, a 3-3 draw against Libya last week — after a controversial offside decision denied them a late winner — delayed the celebrations.
In front of a packed home crowd on Sunday, they made no mistake. President José Maria Neves watched from the stands as the team overcame early nerves, with Eswatini goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala denying Jamiro Monteiro and Livramento in the first half.
But once Livramento broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart, the momentum shifted entirely in Cape Verde’s favor. Semedo’s strike and Stopira’s late goal sealed an unforgettable night, as the Blue Sharks officially became the sixth African team to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
The achievement marks a monumental moment in Cape Verde’s football history — a victory for persistence, unity, and national pride on the world stage.
