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Cape Verde, island nation with 600,000 population, qualifies for World Cup 2026
The island’s inhabitants were given the day off to support their team for the match that saw them advance to the final 48.
October 17, 2025, 04:34 PM
Cape Verde, an island nation with a population of 600,000 in the Atlantic Ocean off the western coast of Africa, has qualified for the World Cup 2026.
A place in the final 48 was secured following a decisive 3-0 win against Eswatini.
The historic World Cup qualification feat on home soil on Oct. 14, 2025 was a poignant one, as it came exactly 100 days after the 50th anniversary of independence.
Cape Verde had declared independence from Portugal on Jul. 5, 1975.
The archipelagic state has become the second‑smallest country to qualify for the tournament after Iceland in 2018.
Finished ahead of African powerhouse Cameroon
The Estádio da Várzea national stadium was filled with joyous locals.
The island’s inhabitants were given the day off to support their team.
Cape Verde started two points ahead of Cameroon, which had appeared in eight previous World Cup finals — the most by an African country.
Cape Verde finished Group D on 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon.
Cameroon were held at home to a goalless draw by Angola.
More qualification slots for African team
The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams — a new format — likely improved the qualifying chances of some teams.
One change saw the number of African slots increased from five to nine, plus a possible 10th via the play-off tournament.
Cape Verde rarely played international football some 25 years ago, it was reported.
They now join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana, which have qualified already.
The 2026 World Cup has three host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The tournament is slated to take place from Jun. 11 to Jul 19, 2026.
Top photos via Fifa
