Historic: Cape Verde qualifies for the 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026 13 October 2025 at 15:17

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

It's a historic day for Cape Verde! The small Atlantic archipelago has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after their victory over Eswatini (3-0) on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The whole nation was in celebration: the government even decided to halt work at noon so the population could experience this unique moment. After a goalless first half, the Blue Sharks made the difference in the second half. Dailon Rocha Livramento opened the scoring in the 48th minute, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead just six minutes later. In the dying moments, Stopira sealed the win (90+1).

With this victory, Cape Verde finishes top of Group D ahead of Cameroon and secures its first-ever participation in a World Cup. Cape Verde also becomes the smallest nation in history (4,033 km²) to qualify for the World Cup.