World Cup fever on the small island of Cape Verde

A truly festive atmosphere erupted on the streets of the capital Praia in the early hours of October 14, as the tiny island nation of Cape Verde officially qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history.

Cape Verde will make its first appearance at the 2026 World Cup.

Car horns, flares and dancing filled the air. Thousands of fans poured out of Cape Verde’s national stadium after a 3-0 win over Eswatini – a result that secured the Blue Sharks’ place at the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Amid the reggae and funana beats, people danced nonstop. “It was an unbelievable moment,” said 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento near the stadium. “I don’t know what to say. I was there, cheering my heart out for our team.”

Cape Verde - an archipelago off the coast of Senegal - became the smallest country to represent Africa at the World Cup, with only about 550,000 people. Globally, they are the second-smallest country to have ever played at the biggest stage of the planet, behind only Iceland (about 350,000 people, World Cup 2018).

“I shouted so much that I lost my voice, but I am very happy,” said Jose Vieira, a Praia resident, after witnessing the historic victory.

The celebrations are scheduled to last all night with a concert at the Praia city stadium, featuring famous artists such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos.

Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito said emotionally: “Giving this happiness to the people is the most wonderful thing. This is a happy shock for all of us.”

Fans poured onto the field to celebrate Cape Verde's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Cape Verde finished the qualifying round with 23 points, four points ahead of second-placed Cameroon, who are the African record holders with eight World Cup appearances. In the final match, Cameroon drew 0-0 with Angola in Yaounde.

The 10-island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean gained independence from Portugal in 1975, and first qualified for the World Cup in 2002. “This is a special milestone, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence,” said Bubista. “This victory belongs to all Cape Verdeans – especially those who fought for our freedom.”

Cape Verde made a splash when they reached the quarter-finals of the CAN Cup in their first appearance in 2013, and repeated that feat in 2023. The team is currently ranked 70th in the world .

“It’s time to celebrate,” said veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 39. “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a child.”

To date, six African teams have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Cape Verde.

60-year-old journalist Jose Jorge Borges emotionally concluded: “The emotions are hard to describe. This is the most memorable moment for the people of Cape Verde.”

Source: https://znews.vn/con-say-world-cup-tren-dao-nho-cape-verde-post1593630.html