Cape Verde Qualify for First-Ever FIFA World Cup, Become 14th African Nation to Reach Global Stage
Cape Verde have made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, becoming the 14th African nation to achieve the feat.
The Blue Sharks sealed qualification with an emphatic 3–0 home victory over Eswatini, thanks to second-half goals from Rocha Livramento, Semedo, and Stopira. The result confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup, marking a new high point in the country’s football journey.
Cape Verde now join an elite list of African countries to have featured at the World Cup. The other 13 include Cameroon (8 appearances), Morocco (7), Nigeria (6), Tunisia (6), Ghana (5), Algeria (4), Egypt (4), Senegal (3), South Africa (3), Côte d’Ivoire (3), DR Congo (as Zaire, 1), Angola (1), and Togo (1).
The island nation will also follow in the footsteps of Jordan and Uzbekistan, who have already secured their first-ever World Cup spots.
Cape Verde’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring. The team made their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2013, and have since appeared four times, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2023 edition, where they narrowly lost to South Africa on penalties.
Despite their small population and limited natural resources, Cape Verde’s progress highlights determination, unity, and belief. Their qualification is being celebrated across Africa as another proud moment in the continent’s football history.
Fun celebrations are expected on the islands as the Blue Sharks prepare to represent Africa on football’s biggest stage in 2026.
