Cabo Verde – Foto: Divulgação/Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol
Cape Verde’s national team secured a historic first-ever World Cup berth for 2026 by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in a match held in Praia, the capital, on Monday, October 13. Goals from Livramento, Semedo, and Stopira clinched the qualification, making Cape Verde the 22nd team confirmed for the tournament. With a population of just 525,000, Cape Verde becomes the second smallest nation to compete in a World Cup, following Iceland.
The victory solidified Cape Verde’s lead in Group D of the African Qualifiers. This milestone marks a historic achievement for Cape Verdean football, which will debut at a World Cup after years of growth in African football. Fans filled the stadium in the capital, celebrating the moment that puts the small archipelago on the global football map.
- Goals scored by Livramento, Semedo, and Stopira.
- Leadership confirmed in Group D of African Qualifiers.
- Cape Verde is the second smallest nation in World Cup history.
The match against Eswatini was decisive, but the home team dominated from start to finish.
🇨🇻HISTORY! Cabo Verde have qualified for their first ever #FIFAWorldCup!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/8oMiVZ2eP5
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 13, 2025
Second-half highlight
The scoring began three minutes into the second half, with Livramento capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. The striker finished with precision.
Six minutes later, Semedo doubled the lead with a well-placed shot, boosting the team’s confidence.
Celebration in stoppage time
In the final moments, Stopira scored the third goal, sealing the 3-0 victory. Fans erupted in joy at the packed stadium. The result showcased Cape Verde’s dominance, needing only a draw to qualify.
African qualifiers context
Besides Cape Verde, five other African teams have secured 2026 World Cup spots: Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia. The final round of African Qualifiers takes place on Monday and Tuesday, determining the remaining qualifiers.
The top four second-placed teams will compete in the continental playoff. The playoff will decide Africa’s representative in FIFA’s World Cup Repechage.
Rise of Cape Verdean football
Cape Verde has invested in developing local football, with players shining in European clubs. The team blends experienced athletes with young talents, many playing in Portugal and other leagues. The captain, nicknamed “Vozinha” and inspired by a Botafogo icon, represents the team’s connection to the Cape Verdean diaspora.
Historic impact of qualification
With just 525,000 inhabitants, Cape Verde overcomes logistical and financial challenges to reach the world’s biggest football stage. Iceland, with about 300,000 people in 2018, is the only smaller nation to have played in a World Cup. This qualification highlights the growing presence of smaller nations in global sports, inspiring other African countries with limited resources.
World Cup preparations
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Cape Verde joins teams like Brazil, Argentina, Japan, and New Zealand among the qualified.
FIFA unveiled “Trionda” as the official ball for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams.
