PRAIAI: Cape Verde’s streets erupted into scenes of jubilation on Tuesday night after the Blue Sharks sealed a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup becoming only the second-smallest nation ever to reach the tournament.
The island nation, with a population of just over half a million, defeated Eswatini 3–0 at home to secure top spot in their qualifying group, finishing ahead of continental football giant Cameroon.
The emphatic win in Praia sparked wild celebrations, as fans poured into the streets waving national flags, singing, and dancing to traditional drums in what many called the country’s greatest football night ever.
This is for all Cape Verdeans, at home and abroad, captain Ryan Mendes said after the match. We’ve shown that belief and teamwork can take a small nation to the biggest stage in football.
Cape Verde’s qualification marks a monumental milestone for African football. The Blue Sharks are now the second-smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup after Iceland’s remarkable achievement in 2018.
Their campaign, led by coach Bubista, has been built on discipline, creativity, and unity. With a squad made up largely of players based in Portugal, France, and the Netherlands, the team’s tactical resilience proved too strong for traditional African heavyweights.
“This victory means more than football it’s a symbol of national pride, said Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, congratulating the team in a televised message. It shows that Cape Verde, despite its size, can stand tall on the world stage.
From the capital city Praia to Mindelo and Sal Island, thousands of jubilant fans flooded major streets overnight, waving flags and chanting “Blue Sharks to the World Cup! Car horns blared, fireworks lit up the night sky, and churches held special thanksgiving prayers the following morning.
“It’s unbelievable. We’ve always dreamed of this, said 26-year-old supporter Joana Andrade, clutching a Cape Verde scarf outside Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde. We’re a small country, but now the whole world will know our name.
Cape Verde now joins an expanding list of African nations heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With their disciplined defense and spirited attacking play, analysts believe the Blue Sharks could be one of the surprise teams to watch in North America next year.
“This team embodies the future of African football,” said former Cameroon international Patrick Mboma. “They’ve shown that good organization and passion can overcome the odds.
Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Cape Verde’s football story has been one of steady progress. The country qualified for its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013 and reached the quarterfinals at its debut appearance.
Now, by securing a World Cup ticket, Cape Verde has written a new chapter in its sporting history, a moment destined to inspire a new generation of African dreamers.
