Cape Verde Makes History with First-Ever FIFA World Cup Qualification After 3-0 Victory Over Eswatini

Cape Verde has achieved a momentous milestone by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history. With a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini at Praia's National Stadium, the Blue Sharks topped Group D in African qualifiers, finishing with 23 points—four ahead of perennial powerhouse Cameroon.​

History made, Cabo Verde are @FIFAWorldCup bound! 🇨🇻@fcfcomunica will make their @FIFAWorldCup debut in Canada, Mexico and the United States next year! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NvQQHOI7SV

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) October 13, 2025

This historic win establishes Cape Verde as only the second-smallest nation by population, after Iceland, to qualify for the World Cup. 

The victory occurs during the country's celebration of its 50th independence anniversary, making the achievement especially meaningful and a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. 

The team’s success is even more impressive considering Cape Verde’s recent emergence on the international football stage—they only joined FIFA in 1982 and first attempted World Cup qualification in 2002.​

• Scorers: Dailon Livramento (48'), Willy Semedo (54'), and Stopira (90') secured the win that set off widespread celebrations across the country.​
• Significance: Cape Verde outperformed an established World Cup contender (Cameroon) to top their qualifying group and become one of Africa’s nine direct representatives at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.​

Coach Pedro "Bubista" Brito, who has led the side since 2020, emphasized the achievement as a victory for the Cape Verdean people and those who fought for the country's independence. 

His historic leadership, combined with innovative team-building and recruitment, has transformed the national team into a continental competitor.​

Public Response
A carnival-like atmosphere took over Praia and other cities. The government declared a half-day national holiday so people could watch and celebrate. Local music, fireworks, and street parties illustrated just how much this moment means to Cape Verdeans, both in the islands and across the worldwide diaspora.​

Diaspora and Team Building
Cape Verde’s football evolution is underpinned by strong connections with a global diaspora, estimated at over two million—far exceeding the country's domestic population of 525,000. The team is composed heavily of players born abroad or with heritage links; recruitment innovations even include identifying players on LinkedIn, as seen in the story of Pico Lopes, now Shamrock Rovers captain.​

FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde, describing the qualification as a potential catalyst for a new generation of football enthusiasts in the country. 

The Blue Sharks join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana as Africa’s qualified teams for the 2026 World Cup.​

Cape Verde will learn their group stage opponents during the tournament draw in Washington DC, on December 5, 2025. Veteran players such as goalkeeper Vozinha and captain Ryan Mendes have underscored the pride and dream that this qualification represents, not only for themselves but for the entire nation.​

The path to this achievement has included consistent performances at the Africa Cup of Nations, notably quarter-final appearances in 2013 and 2023. Cape Verde’s current FIFA ranking is 70th in the world. 

The historic qualification comes at a time when the FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, now provides greater opportunities for emerging football nations like Cape Verde.​

Cape Verde’s World Cup qualification is a sporting triumph and a watershed moment in the nation’s history. It exemplifies the power of collective identity, innovative resourcefulness, and the courage to dream on the global stage. As the nation celebrates, the Blue Sharks are set to inspire generations to come.