October 14 – Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, becoming the second-smallest nation to reach football’s biggest stage after a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Praia.
That result was enough to secure top spot in their qualifying group, even ahead of African giants Cameroon — a remarkable feat for a country of just over half a million people.
The Blue Sharks, roared on by a 15,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium, delivered a worthy performance to put the cherry on the cake of an impressive qualifying campaign – which was sealed in style after a nerve-racking final week.
A draw in Libya, marred further by a controversial late offside call that denied a winner, had delayed the country’s celebrations – but only for a couple of days.
Dailon Livramento settled nerves early in the second half by bundling home from close range, before Willy Semedo’s volley doubled that lead. Veteran defender Stopira completed the victory in stoppage time.
The President of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, was among those celebrating the country’s sensational achievement, an Atlantic archipelago that only gained independence from Portugal in 1975. This is a milestone few could have imagined achieving when they first entered World Cup qualifying two decades ago.
For years, Cape Verde have quietly built a reputation for punching above their weight. Their progress to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in both 2013 and 2023 marked them as one of the continent’s most capable underdogs. Now, they’ve taken the next leap — joining Iceland as the only nations with populations under one million to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
For the island nation, this achievement resonates beyond just football. Cape Verde’s qualification is a statement of ambition and acts as proof that even the smallest nations can dream on the grandest stage.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]