Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) made history on Monday, October 13, 2025, by officially qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the nation’s first-ever appearance in the global tournament.
The “Blue Sharks” cemented their spot by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in their decisive final qualifier match in Praia.
The crucial victory was secured through second-half goals from Dailon Livramento (48th minute), Willy Semedo (54th minute), and veteran Stopira (90th+1 minute). This performance allowed Cabo Verde to top Group D of the African Qualifiers, finishing ahead of traditional powerhouses Cameroon and Angola.
The team achieved this historic milestone with a remarkably solid record of seven wins, two draws, and only one loss. The success is particularly notable given the archipelago’s small population of just over 525,000, making it the second least populated country ever to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland’s debut in 2018. The 2026 tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the leadership of coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, the squad displayed exceptional discipline and determination. Cabo Verde’s defense was a key factor in their success, achieving six clean sheets throughout the qualifying campaign. The victory also highlighted the strong contribution of players from the diaspora, including goalscorers Livramento and Semedo.
Meanwhile, Group D favorites, Cameroon, saw their hopes for direct qualification vanish after being held to a 0-0 draw by Angola. This result means Cameroon may now be forced into the play-offs to secure their place in the 2026 tournament.
SS/Sf/fss/abj/APA