Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the 2026 Football World Cup, defeating Eswatini 3-0. With a population of under 525,000, the island nation topped their group, surpassing Cameroon, and becoming the sixth African team to secure a spot. The match, held in Praia and witnessed by President José Maria Neves, sparked nationwide celebrations. Cape Verde has previously reached AFCON quarterfinals and is ranked 70th in FIFA rankings.
The small African island nation of Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the Football World Cup for the first time. On Monday (October 13), the “Blue Sharks” secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup group stage by defeating Eswatini 3-0 on home soil.
The match, held in the capital city of Praia, saw Dailon Livramento score early in the second half from inside the six-yard box, giving Cape Verde the lead. Shortly after, Willy Semedo doubled the advantage with a stunning volley. During injury time, experienced defender Stopira sealed the victory with a final goal, prompting jubilant celebrations in the 15,000-capacity national stadium.
With this win, Cape Verde topped their qualifying group, surpassing continental powerhouse Cameroon to clinch a historic place at the World Cup.
Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, has a population of less than 525,000. Known for its rich Creole culture, Portuguese colonial history, and vibrant music scene including morna and coladeira, the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The nation came close to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 2002.
In recent years, Cape Verde has also made a mark in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reaching the quarterfinals in both 2013 and 2023. The nation currently sits 70th in the FIFA rankings.
Among small nations, only Iceland — which participated in the 2018 World Cup — holds the record of qualifying for the tournament with a smaller population than Cape Verde.
Last month, Cape Verde defeated Cameroon 1-0 to top their group. Although they missed their first qualification chance by drawing 3-3 against Libya last Wednesday, they secured World Cup qualification on their second attempt by defeating Eswatini, becoming the sixth African team to book a ticket for the 2026 tournament.
The historic match was witnessed live in the stadium by Cape Verde’s President, José Maria Neves, marking a proud moment for the island nation, its football fans, and the country’s growing international sporting presence.