Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the very first time after a commanding 3–0 victory over Eswatini on Monday.
The small island nation of about 550,000 people, located off the coast of Senegal, becomes the second-least populous country ever to reach the World Cup — behind Iceland, who qualified for Russia 2018 with a population of just over 350,000.
The Blue Sharks topped Group D with 23 points, four clear of eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon, who were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaoundé.
“Giving this joy to our people is enormous,” said an emotional coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito after the game. “It’s a victory for all Cape Verdeans and especially for those who fought for our independence. It’s even more special as we celebrate 50 years of independence.”
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, 39, could hardly hold back tears:
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since childhood. It’s finally time to celebrate.”
After a frustrating first half in Praia, Cape Verde broke through early in the second period. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring in the 48th minute, netting his fourth goal of the qualifiers, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead six minutes later — both close-range finishes that sent the 15,000 home fans into raptures.
Substitute Stopira sealed the historic win with a late third in added time, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.
The Blue Sharks’ squad reflects the nation’s extensive diaspora, with most players born abroad to Cape Verdean parents or grandparents. Livramento was born in Rotterdam, while Semedo hails from near Paris.
Eswatini, who set up defensively in a 5-4-1 formation, offered little attacking threat and were outclassed throughout, finishing their campaign winless — with seven losses and three draws.
A tearful Stopira summed up the emotion of the night:
“It’s overwhelming. I dedicate this to all Cape Verdeans at home and across the world.”
Captain Ryan Mendes added, “Honestly, I have no words to describe this. It’s pure happiness.”
Cape Verde’s remarkable qualification capped a dramatic turnaround after a poor start to the campaign. Following a 0–0 home draw with Angola and a 4–1 defeat in Cameroon, the Blue Sharks had only four points from their first three matches.
However, Bubista’s men bounced back superbly — winning five straight qualifiers, including key one-goal victories over Angola (away) and Cameroon (home).
A thrilling 3–3 draw in Libya earlier this month left them needing just one win from their final two matches, which they delivered emphatically against Eswatini.
The achievement comes less than a year after Cape Verde failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, winning just once in six games. Despite that setback, officials kept faith with Bubista, who has led the team since 2020 after two spells as assistant coach.
The 55-year-old former centre-back, capped 21 times for his country, has guided Cape Verde to back-to-back AFCON knockout-stage appearances — including a penalty shootout loss to South Africa in the quarter-finals last year.
Now, under Bubista’s steady leadership, Cape Verde have taken the ultimate step — booking their ticket to football’s biggest stage, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
