Cape Verde have officially made football history. The Blue Sharks have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to do so after a resounding 3-0 victory over Eswatini in Praia.
The result secured top spot in their group ahead of continental giants Cameroon, sending the islanders to the world stage for the very first time.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Dailon Livramento pounced on a loose ball to give the hosts the lead. Willy Semedo doubled the advantage shortly after with a powerful volley, before veteran defender Stopira sealed the win in stoppage time.
As the final whistle blew, the 15,000-capacity National Stadium erupted into wild celebrations — a moment decades in the making for the proud Atlantic island nation.
With a population of just under 525,000, Cape Verde’s achievement is nothing short of incredible. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, the team has steadily built its football reputation — famously reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in 2013 and again in 2023.
Now ranked 70th in the world, Cape Verde’s rise has been a story of resilience, talent, and national pride. The only country smaller ever to reach a World Cup remains Iceland, who competed at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Their journey wasn’t easy. A crucial 1-0 win over Cameroon last month put them in pole position, though a 3-3 draw against Libya — including a controversial late offside call — delayed their celebration. But against Eswatini, there was no mistake.
Cape Verde’s victory makes them the sixth African nation to book a spot at next year’s global finals — a triumph that will inspire generations across the islands and the continent.
At Sports Market International, we celebrate moments like these — where passion, determination, and belief rewrite the odds. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the best stories from the sports market and beyond.
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