Cape Verde has etched its name in football history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever, following a convincing 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday, October 13, in Praia.
The win secured the island nation’s top spot 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 qualify for the global tournament, following Iceland’s breakthrough at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“Giving this happiness to our people is enormous,” said an emotional coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito after the final whistle. “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, was equally emotional. “I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a child,” he said. “Now it’s time to celebrate.”
After a tense first half, the Blue Sharks came alive in the second. Dailon Livramento broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign. Willy Semedo doubled the lead in the 54th minute, and Stopira sealed the victory in stoppage time before a jubilant 15,000-strong home crowd.
The triumph capped a stunning turnaround for Cape Verde, who started the qualifiers slowly — drawing 0-0 with Angola and losing 4-1 to Cameroon early in the campaign. From that point on, they embarked on a remarkable run, winning five straight matches, many by narrow one-goal margins.
“It’s too emotional. I embrace all Cape Verdean people, both at home and across our great diaspora,” said Stopira, the final goal scorer. Team captain Ryan Mendes added, “Honestly, I have no words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy.”
Cape Verde’s squad is notably diverse, featuring many players born abroad to Cape Verdean parents or grandparents. Livramento was born in Rotterdam, while Semedo hails from near Paris.
Under Bubista, 55, who took over in 2020 after serving as assistant coach, the team reached the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages in both 2022 and 2024. Although they missed out on qualification for next year’s AFCON, the federation kept faith in him — a decision that has now paid off with a historic World Cup berth.
“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 the rest of Africa’s contingent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the beginning of a new and unforgettable chapter in the nation’s football story.
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