Cape Verde have made history by becoming the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, after defeating Eswatini 3–0 at home to book their place at the 2026 tournament.
The victory secured the Blue Sharks’ top spot in their qualifying group, ahead of continental heavyweights Cameroon, and guaranteed their debut at football’s biggest stage.
Dailon Livramento gave the hosts the lead early in the second half at the National Stadium in Praia, pouncing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box. Willy Semedo doubled the advantage shortly after with a fine volley, while veteran defender Stopira sealed the win with a third goal in stoppage time.
The final whistle sparked scenes of wild celebration among fans inside the 15,000-capacity stadium as the island nation wrote a new chapter in its sporting history.
Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean with a population of just under 525,000, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The Blue Sharks first attempted to qualify for a World Cup in 2002.
The team has impressed in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals on their debut in 2013 and again in 2023. Currently ranked 70th in the world, Cape Verde’s qualification marks a remarkable achievement for the small island nation.
