A vibrant celebration took place in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia, as the small archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Fans cheered and danced in the streets after the Blue Sharks secured a spot in the 2026 finals with a 3-0 victory over Eswatini at the Cape Verde National Stadium. The festive atmosphere included honking horns, fireworks, and music, with people expressing their joy and pride.
Jorge Junior Livramento, a 37-year-old fan, described the moment as incredible, emphasizing his unconditional support for the team. FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde on their historic achievement, noting its potential to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts in the country.
Located off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde boasts a population of just 550,000, making it the second-least populous nation to qualify for the World Cup after Iceland. The victory was met with elation and gratitude from residents like Jose Vieira, who celebrated the milestone while watching the match live at the stadium.
The celebrations extended to a concert featuring local artists at Praia’s municipal stadium, with Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito expressing immense joy in bringing happiness to the Cape Verdean people. Cape Verde topped Group D with 23 points, surpassing Cameroon, who hold the African record for World Cup appearances.
Coach Bubista highlighted the significance of the achievement, particularly during the nation’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations. The team’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations in previous years and their current global ranking of 70th have added to the pride and excitement among Cape Verdeans.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 39, expressed his long-held dream of reaching the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of the moment. With Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Cape Verde securing spots, Africa is well represented at the 2026 World Cup.
Jose Jorge Borges, a 60-year-old journalist and fan, described the emotions in Praia as indescribable, emphasizing the significance of this memorable moment for Cape Verde.