In a landmark achievement for the island nation, Cape Verde has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history. The “Blue Sharks” secured their coveted spot with a decisive 3–0 victory over Eswatini in a charged atmosphere at home in Praia. The breakthrough came in a dominant second-half performance, with Dailon Rocha Livramento opening the scoring. Willy Semedo quickly added a second, before team veteran Stopira sealed the historic win with a stoppage-time goal, igniting euphoric celebrations across the stadium and the nation.
This qualification is a monumental milestone for Cape Verde. With a population of just over 500,000, it becomes the second-smallest nation by population, after Iceland, to ever reach football’s most prestigious tournament. The victory is being hailed as one of the country’s most significant sporting moments, a testament to the team’s perseverance and talent on the African stage. For a nation that has consistently punched above its weight in continental competitions, this entry into the World Cup marks the realization of a long-held dream and a new chapter in its footballing journey.
