“The historic qualification inspires a new generation of footballers across all the islands.”
Cape Verde achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first-ever appearance in the tournament. They secured their spot with a 3–0 win over Eswatini in Praia.
The team topped Group D in the African qualifiers, finishing ahead of Cameroon, with seven wins, two draws, and one loss.
The squad included both local talent and players from the Cape Verdean diaspora in Europe. Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito emphasized unity and national pride.
Celebrations erupted across the country, with over 15,000 fans gathering in Praia. President José Maria Neves described it as “a new independence.”
Cape Verde will now compete in the 48-team 2026 World Cup, hoping to make a strong impression and inspire future footballers.