Cape Verde has secured a historic place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday. The win ensured the island nation topped its African qualifying group, sealing its debut appearance at the global tournament. With a population of about 600,000, the archipelago country becomes the second smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.
This achievement marks a major milestone in Cape Verde’s football journey, which has seen steady progress over the past decade.
The Blue Sharks made their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2013, reaching the quarterfinals, and have since established themselves as one of the region’s most consistent teams.
Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, is seen as the culmination of years of investment in grassroots football and player development, both locally and among the country’s vibrant diaspora in Europe.
