Cape Verde have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to reach football’s biggest stage. The Blue Sharks sealed their historic place after a dominant 3-0 victory over Eswatini in Praia.

Cape Verde Secure Top Spot Ahead of African Giants Cameroon

The win ensured Cape Verde topped their qualifying group, finishing ahead of continental powerhouse Cameroon. It’s a landmark achievement for the Atlantic island nation, who will now join the world’s elite in Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the 2026 finals.

In front of an ecstatic home crowd at the 15,000-seat National Stadium, Cape Verde took control in the second half. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring after pouncing on a loose ball inside the box, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead with a superb volley. Veteran defender Stopira added the third in stoppage time, sparking scenes of jubilation across the islands.

A Small Nation With Big Football Dreams

Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands with a population of just under 525,000, according to World Bank data. The nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first attempted to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Despite their size, Cape Verde have consistently punched above their weight in international football. The Blue Sharks reached the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals on debut in 2013 and repeated the feat in 2023. They currently sit 70th in the FIFA world rankings.

Only Iceland, who qualified for the 2018 World Cup, boast a smaller population among nations to reach the global tournament.

Journey to Qualification

Cape Verde’s road to qualification was not without drama. A 1-0 win over Cameroon last month in Praia put them firmly in control of Group D, needing just one more victory from their final two fixtures.

They narrowly missed out in their first attempt, drawing 3-3 with Libya after a spirited comeback that was denied a stoppage-time winner by a controversial offside call. But the Blue Sharks made no mistake in their second opportunity, dispatching Eswatini with authority to become the sixth African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

A New Chapter for Cape Verdean Football

This historic qualification marks a new era for Cape Verdean football. For a nation of just half a million people, reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a testament to years of growth, determination, and national pride.

With their ticket now booked, the Blue Sharks will look to continue their fairytale journey on football’s grandest stage.