Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, sparking massive celebrations across the island nation.
The streets of the capital city, Praia, turned into a carnival after the Blue Sharks defeated Eswatini 3-0 at the Cape Verde National Stadium to secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States (US), Canada and Mexico.
Fans poured out of the stadium, waving flags, honking car horns and setting off fireworks as reggae and local funana music filled the streets. “It’s an incredible moment,” said 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento.
“I don’t have words. I was at the stadium and supported our team unconditionally.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde on what he called a “historic moment”, saying the team’s success would inspire a new generation of football fans across the nation.
With a population of just 550,000, Cape Verde is the smallest African country ever to qualify for the World Cup. It also becomes the second-least populous nation in history to reach the tournament after following Iceland, which qualified for the 2018 World Cup with a population of just over 350,000.