Cape Verde has made history, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever after defeating Eswatini 3-0 on Monday, October 13, in Praia.

 

 

 

The victory secured the island nation’s top spot in Group D with 23 points, four clear of second-placed Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup participant. Cameroon, meanwhile, 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 tournament, following Iceland’s breakthrough at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

 

 

 

“Giving this happiness to these people is enormous,” an emotional coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito said 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.”

 

 

 

 

Goalkeeper Vozinha, 39, could hardly contain his emotions. “I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a child,” he said. “It’s time to celebrate.”

 

 

 

 

After a cagey first half, the Blue Sharks came alive in the second. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring three minutes after the restart with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign, followed by Willy Semedo’s close-range finish in the 54th minute. Substitute Stopira sealed the victory in stoppage time before a jubilant 15,000-strong home crowd.

 

 

 

The triumph capped off a remarkable turnaround for Cape Verde, who had a shaky start to qualifying — drawing 0-0 with Angola and losing 4-1 to Cameroon early in the campaign. From there, however, they went on an inspired run, winning five consecutive matches, including key one-goal victories both home and away.

 

 

 

“It’s too emotional. I embrace all Cape Verdean people, at home and across our great diaspora,” said Stopira, who scored the final goal. Team captain Ryan Mendes added, “Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy.”

 

 

 

 

Cape Verde’s national team, composed largely of players born abroad to Cape Verdean parents or grandparents, has drawn talent from across the globe. Livramento was born in Rotterdam, while Semedo hails from near Paris.

 

 

 

Bubista, 55, who took charge in 2020 after serving as assistant coach, guided the team to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearances in 2022 and 2024 — both times reaching the knockout stage. Despite missing out on qualification for next year’s AFCON, the coach retained the federation’s confidence, and the result has been a historic breakthrough on the world stage.

 

 

 

“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 Africa’s contingent at the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking

a new chapter in the nation’s football history.