Cape Verde Makes History: Tiny Island Nation Qualifies For 2026 World Cup‎

‎Cape Verde has officially written its name into football history.

‎The Blue Sharks have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sealing top spot in their African qualifying group after a 3-0 home victory over Eswatini in Praia.

‎It marks the first-ever World Cup appearance for the Atlantic island nation a remarkable feat for a country of just 525,000 people.

‎A Small Nation with a Giant Dream

‎With their qualification, Cape Verde became the second-smallest country by population ever to reach a men’s World Cup, behind only Iceland, which made their debut in 2018.

‎The scenes of celebration across Praia on Monday night captured the magnitude of the achievement fans waving flags, players embracing, and fireworks lighting up the island’s capital.

‎From a Nervy Start to a Historic Finish

‎Pedro “Bubista” Leitão Brito’s men had to endure a tense opening 45 minutes against winless Eswatini, battling nerves and also strong winds. But just three minutes into the second half, Dailon Rocha Livramento broke the deadlock from close range, sending the home crowd into delirium.

‎Moments later, Willy Semedo doubled the lead with a composed finish to make it 2-0, while Stopira sealed the deal in stoppage time. The 3-0 win ensured Cape Verde finished top of Group D, ahead of traditional powerhouse Cameroon.

‎Cameroon Falters as Cape Verde Shines

‎The Indomitable Lions, five-time World Cup participants, needed to beat Angola and hope Cape Verde slipped up to reclaim first place.

‎Instead, Cameroon were held to a 0-0 draw in Yaoundé, ending their hopes of automatic qualification. They now face a difficult path through the playoffs in hopes of reaching North America in 2026.

‎Bubista’s Redemption Story

‎Cape Verde’s World Cup journey is also a story of persistence and faith. After a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign, including a 0-0 draw at home to Angola and a 4-1 defeat in Cameroon, few believed they could bounce back.

‎Their struggles extended to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they failed to reach the finals after winning just once in six matches. Yet the federation stood by Bubista, the longest-serving coach in the country’s history.

‎That loyalty paid off: Cape Verde responded with five straight wins in World Cup qualifying, including gritty one-goal victories away to Angola and at home to Cameroon.

‎After a thrilling 3-3 draw in Libya delayed their celebrations last week, they finally clinched qualification in front of 15,000 fans in Praia completing one of the most inspiring underdog stories in African football.

‎Tunisia Leads the Way in Group H

‎Elsewhere, Tunisia continued their dominance in Group H with a 3-0 win over Namibia, their ninth victory in 10 matches. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri was among the scorers as the Carthage Eagles finished their campaign without conceding a single goal an astonishing defensive record.

‎Namibia, meanwhile, edged Liberia to second place on goal difference after Liberia’s 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, but their points tally fell short of qualifying them for the playoff stage reserved for the best runners-up.