Cape Verde Makes Historic FIFA World Cup Qualification

Cape Verde, Africa

Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating Eswatini 3-0 on Monday. The victory allowed the island nation to secure its spot and top Group D in the African qualifying rounds.

The match, held in Cape Verde, saw Dailon Livramento score in the 48th minute, followed by Willy Semedo in the 54th minute and Stopira during stoppage time. This win gave Cape Verde four more points than the second-placed team, Cameroon, which could only manage a 0-0 draw against Angola.

With a population of about 525,000, Cape Verde will be the second-smallest country by population to ever play in the World Cup, following Iceland’s participation in 2018. Cape Verdean fans showed overwhelming support, with tickets for the match selling out quickly. The government even declared a half-day holiday so that citizens could watch the game.

The 2026 tournament is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next June and July. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32-team format. As part of the African qualifiers, the nine group winners earn automatic spots for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will compete in a playoff tournament.

Cameroon still has a chance to qualify as a runner-up and will hope for success in future matches. Meanwhile, Australia confirmed its place in the World Cup earlier this year after finishing second in their Asian group behind Japan.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming World Cup, this qualification marks a major achievement for Cape Verde and its footballing future.