(foto: Twitter)
Cape Verde reach their first-ever World Cup with a 3–0 win over Eswatini, becoming the second-smallest nation in history to qualify for football’s biggest stage.
The Cape Verde Islands have achieved the greatest triumph in their football history. On Monday night in Praia, the island nation defeated Eswatini 3–0 to secure their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
Goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and veteran Stopira sealed a dominant victory that placed Cape Verde top of Group D, ahead of African powerhouse Cameroon.
Just 25 years ago, Cape Verde rarely played international matches. Now, they will travel to North America next summer as one of nine African representatives, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana among the continent’s elite.
A night to remember in Praia
Cape Verde entered the final matchday two points clear of Cameroon, the African nation with a record eight World Cup appearances. After Cameroon were held to a goalless draw by Angola, Cape Verde capitalized on the opportunity.
Following a tense first half, Livramento broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, Semedo doubled the lead six minutes later, and Stopira, the 37-year-old defender who has represented the national team since 2008, scored in stoppage time to complete the historic win.
The government of Cape Verde had declared the match day a public holiday, encouraging all 600,000 citizens to support their team. When the final whistle blew, the streets of Praia erupted into celebration, with fans waving flags, singing, and dancing late into the night.
Small but mighty
Cape Verde have now become the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, following Iceland, which achieved the feat in 2018.
Their journey to the 2026 World Cup is a story of progress, unity, and passion — one that will inspire small footballing nations across the globe.