Cape Verde has made history, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time after a 3–0 win over Eswatini on Monday, October 13, in Praia.
The victory sealed the Blue Sharks’ place at the top of Group D with 23 points — four ahead of second-placed Cameroon, Africa’s most frequent World Cup participant. Cameroon, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaoundé.
With a population of just over 550,000, Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, following Iceland’s debut at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“Giving this happiness to these people is enormous,” said an emotional coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito after the final whistle. “It’s a victory for all Cape Verdeans — and for those who fought for our independence. It’s a special moment in this 50th anniversary year.”
Goalkeeper Vozinha, 39, was visibly moved. “I’ve dreamed of this since I was a child,” he said. “It’s time to celebrate.”
After a tense first half, Cape Verde came alive in the second. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring three minutes after the break with his fourth goal of the qualifiers. Willy Semedo doubled the lead in the 54th minute, and substitute Stopira sealed the win deep into stoppage time before 15,000 jubilant fans.
The result capped a remarkable turnaround for Cape Verde, who had started the campaign poorly — drawing 0–0 with Angola and losing 4–1 to Cameroon. But they bounced back with five straight wins, including narrow victories home and away that proved decisive.
“It’s too emotional. I embrace all Cape Verdean people, at home and across our great diaspora,” said Stopira, the match’s final scorer. Captain Ryan Mendes added, “Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy.”
Cape Verde’s squad features a diverse mix of talent, with many players born abroad to Cape Verdean parents or grandparents. Livramento was born in Rotterdam, while Semedo hails from outside Paris — a reflection of the country’s far-reaching diaspora.
Head coach Bubista, 55, took charge in 2020 after serving as assistant coach and has since led the team to back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations appearances in 2022 and 2024, both times reaching the knockout stages. Despite missing next year’s AFCON, the federation kept faith in him — and that faith has paid off spectacularly.
“This qualification means everything,” Bubista said. “It’s for the people, for our football, and for the dream we all share.”
Cape Verde will now join Africa’s contingent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — marking a new and unforgettable chapter in the island nation’s football story.
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