Cape Verde has made history by becoming the second-smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, following an impressive 3-0 victory over Eswatini in their recent match. This decisive win not only secured them a spot in the 2026 finals but also allowed the Blue Sharks to take the top position in their qualifying group, finishing ahead of African powerhouse Cameroon.
The match held in Praia saw Dailon Livramento net the first goal early in the second half, capitalizing on a loose ball in the six-yard box. Shortly thereafter, Willy Semedo added a second with a well-executed volley, further boosting the home crowd’s excitement. In a thrilling finale, veteran defender Stopira sealed the victory by scoring the third goal during stoppage time, setting off joyous celebrations at the National Stadium, which has a capacity of 15,000.
Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago of 10 islands is home to approximately 525,000 residents, according to the latest statistics from the World Bank. Cape Verdean history is marked by its independence from Portugal in 1975, and it has made previous attempts to qualify for the World Cup, notably aiming for the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea. In addition to their World Cup aspirations, the team has made a name for itself in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), reaching the quarter-finals in 2013 during their debut and achieving the same feat again in 2023. As of now, they rank 70th in the world.
Iceland stands as the only nation with a smaller population that has qualified for a World Cup, having participated in the 2018 tournament in Russia. Last month, Cape Verde’s critical 1-0 victory at home against Cameroon positioned them favorably in Group D, where they knew that one win from their last two matches would confirm their place at the World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
After a tense match against Libya that ended in a 3-3 draw, where Cape Verde almost secured a winning goal in stoppage time but was thwarted by a controversial offside decision, the team ensured their qualification against Eswatini without any hiccups. This victory marks Cape Verde as the sixth African nation to secure a ticket to the upcoming finals.
In a show of support, Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves was present at the match, where the crowd initially experienced a nail-biting first half. Livramento had an opportunity that went wide, and Jamiro Monteiro’s effort was saved by Eswatini goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala. However, the tension dissipated as Livramento scored just three minutes after halftime, igniting passionate celebrations among the fans. Semedo’s follow-up goal on Diney’s assist only intensified the jubilation.
Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, a centre-back for the national team, highlighted the advantage of Africa now having nine guaranteed slots for the expanded 48-team World Cup, a considerable increase from the five spots available at Qatar 2022. Lopes expressed how this change has transformed the landscape for qualifying, making it less arduous as finishing first in the group now guarantees a spot.
Conversely, Cameroon, with five Afcon titles to their name, has struggled throughout the qualification process due to underperformance in away matches, ultimately finishing four points behind Cape Verde in Group D. The team is expected to engage in both African and inter-confederation play-offs in their attempt to secure a spot in the World Cup, aiming to extend their record of eight appearances.
Despite being known more for its growing tourism sector than its sporting achievements, Cape Verde recently celebrated a milestone when boxer David de Pina won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics—the country’s first-ever Olympic medal. With a domestic league comprising only 12 teams, the Blue Sharks have leaned heavily on foreign-based players and those from the diaspora to elevate their football status.
A notable story of recruitment is how Shamrock Rovers defender Lopes received his first call-up, following an approach made through LinkedIn. Lopes shared insights into the widespread migration of Cape Verdeans seeking opportunities abroad, emphasizing the potential of uniting their efforts for success. He noted, “We’re all over the world. It’s great what we can achieve when we’re together.”
Currently, the national team includes no players from Europe’s top five leagues. Their leading scorer in the qualifying rounds, Netherlands-born Livramento, plays for Casa Pia, positioned 14th in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. The team’s success can also be attributed to stability within the coaching staff; Bubista has managed the team since January 2020. His comprehensive understanding of the game and the ability to cultivate a cohesive and strategic unit have proven vital, particularly after the disappointment of not qualifying for the recent Afcon in Morocco, where Cape Verde finished last in their group.
As the Cape Verdean players and supporters now shift their focus toward the World Cup draw scheduled for December 4 in Washington DC, they revel in the prospect of competing against some of the best teams in the world. With their qualification solidified, Cape Verde joins other African nations, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana, in the race for the coveted World Cup position, with additional nations set to follow. The anticipation of the upcoming qualifiers and the opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage has instilled a sense of pride and hope for the island nation.
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