Cape Verde, Home to Just 525,000, Create History To Book Maiden FIFA World Cup Appearance

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 10:01 IST

Cape Verde qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Eswatini 3-0 in Praia, marking a historic first for the island nation.

Stopira celebrates with his teammate after defeating Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying game (Picture credit: AP)

Cape Verde, an island nation in Africa, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to book their first-ever spot in the showpiece event, as their capital city of Praia erupted with people celebrating on the streets. What makes the qualification special is the sheer population of the country, which is 5.25 lakhs.

Cape Verde beat Eswatini 3-0 in Praia to bag their spot in the 2026 World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation after Iceland to reach the World Cup finals.

Cape Verde dominated Group B with 23 points, finishing ahead of eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon.

“Giving this happiness to these people is enormous… It’s a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence," coach Pedro Brito said.

After the April 1974 revolution in Portugal, the PAIGC emerged as an active political force in Cape Verde. In December 1974, the PAIGC and Portugal signed an agreement to establish a transitional government comprising both Portuguese and Cape Verdean representatives.

The win against Eswatini sparked a carnival-like celebration in Praia, with fans flooding the streets, honking horns and lighting fireworks.

In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music. It was ‘an incredible moment’, 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP near the stadium.

“I don’t have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally," Livramento said.

Congratulating Cape Verde on their ‘historic moment’, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that the achievement might ‘power a new generation of football lovers’ across the country.

After drawing with Angola and losing to Cameroon, Cape Verde won five straight games to qualify.

“Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy," skipper Ryan Mendes said.

The win against Eswatini is meaningful for this former Portuguese colony, which gained independence in 1975 and first attempted qualification in 2002.

News sports Cape Verde, Home to Just 525,000, Create History To Book Maiden FIFA World Cup Appearance

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