Cape Verde has etched its name into football history by becoming the smallest African nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The island cou
Cape Verde has etched its name into football history by becoming the smallest African nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
The island country, with a population of just under 600,000, sealed its spot after an emphatic 3–0 victory over Eswatini at the National Stadium in Praia on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The triumph marked a monumental moment for the West African archipelago, whose national team, the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), had only made its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut a little over a decade ago in 2013.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 and joining FIFA in 1982, Cape Verde’s football journey has been one of steady progress against all odds.
The country’s limited population, modest football infrastructure, and the challenges of developing local talent on scattered islands did not deter its ambitions. Instead, the Cape Verdean Football Federation invested heavily in scouting and harnessing diaspora talent—particularly from players based in Portugal, France, and the Netherlands.
Under the leadership of head coach Bubista, Cape Verde’s qualification campaign in the 2026 African World Cup qualifiers was defined by discipline, teamwork, and consistency. Drawn in a difficult Group D alongside heavyweights Cameroon, Angola, and Eswatini, the Blue Sharks were initially seen as outsiders.
However, the team defied expectations—remaining unbeaten at home and recording four wins in five matches without conceding a single goal.
Their defining moment came with a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Cameroon in Praia, a result that ultimately tipped the balance in their favor.
The Decisive Win
In their final group fixture, Cape Verde dominated from start to finish. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring before halftime, followed by Willy Semedo and veteran defender Stopira, who each added goals early in the second half.
The result made Cameroon’s concurrent match against Angola meaningless, as Cape Verde’s superior points tally ensured direct qualification.
Cameroon, five-time World Cup participants, will now settle for second place in the group and seek a playoff route.
Heroes of the Blue Sharks
Cape Verde’s qualification was powered by experience and leadership.
The squad featured four of the nation’s most-capped players—Ryan Mendes, Vozinha, Stopira, and Garry Rodrigues—all of whom have been mainstays since the team’s early AFCON campaigns.
Captain Ryan Mendes, who has scored 22 goals for his country, remains the all-time top scorer and a symbol of Cape Verde’s rise in international football.
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