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World Cup 2026

Cape Verde Make History As Second-Smallest Nation To Qualify For The World Cup

Cape Verde players celebrate World Cup qualification after 3-0 win over Eswatini

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.

Blue Sharks Seal Historic Qualification

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.

A Nation That Keeps Punching Above Its Weight

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.

The Road To Canada, Mexico & The USA

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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World Cup 2026

Donald Trump, Village People & A Wild 2026 World Cup Draw: What To Expect At Football’s Most Unpredictable Night

Donald Trump attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw with Village People performing on stage.

Donald Trump, Village People & A World Cup Draw Like No Other

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is gearing up to be one of the most dramatic pre-tournament ceremonies ever — even before a single ball is kicked. And if you think you’ve seen chaos in football, wait until you mix the President of the United States, the Village People, global football stars, and a full-world spotlight at the Kennedy Center.

Set in Washington, this year’s draw promises music, politics, spectacle, and a dash of unpredictability. And leading the script? None other than Donald Trump himself.


Trump Meets The Village People: A Reunion Nobody Expected

In an unexpected twist, the iconic disco group Village People will perform their evergreen hit “YMCA” live — right in front of the president who turned the song into a rally anthem.

Trump has danced to the track countless times at his political events, but not everyone from the original lineup is thrilled.
Former member Jim Newman made it clear: the classic group he belonged to “would never, ever perform at a Trump rally.” Still, the show must go on, and the crowd at the Kennedy Center will be watching every second of this unusual reunion.


Star-Studded Night: Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger

The guest list reads like a global entertainment festival.
The White House confirmed Trump will attend the ceremony alongside top-tier performers including:

  • Robbie Williams

  • Andrea Bocelli

  • Nicole Scherzinger

Hosting duties will be handled by Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and Danny Ramirez, ensuring the night stays lively, humorous, and unpredictable.

FIFA will also unveil its new “Peace Prize” before the group pairings for the 48-team tournament are announced — another first for a World Cup ceremony.


Trump’s Growing Presence In Global Football

Trump’s involvement in football events has been anything but ordinary.

From lingering awkwardly on stage during Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy lift, to baffling Juventus players with a question about women joining the men’s team, to posting an AI-generated video of himself and Cristiano Ronaldo playing football — the president has become a global sideshow of sporting unpredictability.

Now, that same unpredictability is heading straight into the 2026 World Cup draw.


A Draw Night Full Of Drama, Music & Football

This year’s ceremony blends entertainment with anticipation.
Between the “YMCA” performance, Hollywood-level hosting, Trump’s unpredictable moments, and the long-awaited group draw, the world will be glued to their screens.

As the global football community shifts its focus to 2026, one thing is guaranteed: this World Cup draw will be talked about for years.


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World Cup 2026

FIFA To Expand VAR Rules For The 2026 World Cup With New Corner-Kick Reviews

VAR officials reviewing a decision during an international football match.

FIFA Pushes Major VAR Expansion For 2026 World Cup — Corner-Kick Reviews Included

FIFA is moving forward with a major upgrade to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision that could reshape how matches are officiated on the grandest stage.

Despite facing opposition from several leagues and football administrators, FIFA is determined to expand VAR’s authority — this time, to include corner-kick decisions.


IFAB Initially Rejected VAR Reviews For Corners

Back in October, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) met to review possible changes to the VAR system.

While some improvements were approved, one proposal was firmly rejected:
Using VAR to assess corner-kick situations.

Domestic leagues and football bodies argued the change could lead to:

  • Longer match delays

  • More interruptions

  • A disrupted game flow that frustrates fans and coaches alike

Yet, FIFA appears ready to press ahead.


FIFA Is Determined To Implement The Corner-Kick Rule

According to reports from BBC Sport, FIFA wants the new VAR upgrade implemented in time for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

This move highlights FIFA’s growing willingness to test new technologies on football’s biggest stage, even without full global approval.

If implemented, referees will be able to review corner-kick situations, opening the door to:

  • Checking for missed fouls

  • Identifying incorrect corner awards

  • Reviewing potential handball or off-ball infractions

  • Ensuring fairer decision-making during set-pieces

It’s a bold shift — and a controversial one.


VAR’s Scope Is Already Set To Grow In 2026

While the corner-kick proposal sparked debate, IFAB did approve other VAR upgrades that will definitely be used during the tournament.

One major change:

VAR Can Review Second Yellow Cards That May Turn Into Red Cards

This is expected to help referees make clearer disciplinary decisions in fast, chaotic match situations — especially as the World Cup expands to 48 teams.


What This Means For Football

If the corner-kick VAR expansion earns final approval, the 2026 World Cup could become a turning point in football officiating.

The upgrade promises more accuracy but might come at the cost of match rhythm — a trade-off that continues to divide fans, coaches, and football governing bodies.

One thing is certain:

FIFA is embracing deeper technological influence in football, and the 2026 World Cup will be the testing ground.


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World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo Tipped To Play For Portugal Beyond 2026 World Cup, Says Wes Brown

Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal national team, tipped to continue beyond 2026 World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Continue Playing For Portugal After 2026, Says Wes Brown

Cristiano Ronaldo may not be finished with international football just yet. Former Manchester United teammate Wes Brown has suggested that the 40-year-old superstar could continue playing for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, keeping the door open for Euro 2028.

Ronaldo has indicated that the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will likely be his sixth and “final” FIFA tournament. However, with his current contract at Al-Nassr running through 2027, there’s no definite retirement date in sight.

Retirement Not On Ronaldo’s Mind Yet

Brown, speaking exclusively to GOAL in association with BetWright casino, explained why Ronaldo could still be an asset for the national team:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? Does that mean he has to play every game? Look at the last competition, everyone was saying he shouldn’t play but he did okay. He knows the press will give him stick if he doesn’t score or assist. At the same time, he’s there for his younger teammates and wants them to do well. In his mind, he won’t be finished yet and can still contribute. He’s still got the energy, the same belief, and can still do it.”

Ronaldo Still Chasing International Glory

While Ronaldo has often claimed that a World Cup isn’t necessary to cement his legacy, Brown believes the Portuguese star still has a burning desire to complete his medal collection.

“He will want to win one! This is probably his last chance. He has a really good team. Any footballer dreams of winning the World Cup as a kid. Ronaldo doesn’t need it to prove himself, but he really would want to win it. It will be difficult, but it’s definitely on the agenda,” Brown said.

Euro 2028 Could Be On The Horizon

With no confirmed retirement from international football and his Al-Nassr contract through 2027, Ronaldo could potentially extend his career to feature in Euro 2028, adding yet another chapter to his record-breaking career.

Whether he will achieve that elusive World Cup crown remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ronaldo’s competitive spirit and desire to succeed remain undiminished as he approaches the twilight of his legendary career.


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