Cape Verde has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking nationwide celebrations in the archipelago and among the diaspora worldwide. The Blue Sharks secured their spot with a 3-0 victory over Eswatini, with Stopira scoring the decisive goal in the 91st minute.

For a nation of just over half a million people, this achievement has been described as the biggest event since independence from Portugal in 1975, marking a milestone in Cape Verdean football history.

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A Historic Moment for Cape Verde

The final whistle at the National Stadium in Praia triggered jubilant celebrations among players, staff, and fans alike. Many wept with emotion as years of planning and preparation culminated in Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup qualification.

Head coach Bubista described the achievement as monumental:

“Giving this happiness to these people is enormous. It’s a special moment in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence.”

The atmosphere in Praia was electric, with supporters waving flags and wearing custom World Cup qualification T-shirts, remaining in the stadium for hours to celebrate the historic moment.

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Players and Diaspora Join the Celebration

Defender Steven Moreira, born in France and playing for Columbus Crew in the USA, said representing Cape Verde was unlike any other experience:

“Honestly, I’ve played in Europe, I’ve won in MLS, but when you play for your country it’s something different. The passion they give you is just amazing.”

Shamrock Rovers centre-back Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, born in Dublin to a Cape Verdean father, described searching for his father in the crowd while sharing in the collective relief and joy:

“There’s an overwhelming sense of relief, there’s joy, all emotions. But we did it and no one can take that away from us.”

President Jose Maria Neves attended the match, holding aloft a banner commemorating Cape Verde’s qualification and joining in the celebrations alongside the coaching and technical staff.

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Technical Director Rui Costa Highlights Transformative Impact

Appointed in February after over a decade working in English football, technical director Rui Costa expressed pride in the country’s achievement:

“I’m feeling proud of my country, of my national team, of everyone. They’ve done an amazing job. We have a great coach, great players, so the future will be bright.”

Costa believes this qualification could transform football in Cape Verde, citing examples from other African nations like Senegal, where World Cup appearances catalyzed development at both grassroots and professional levels.

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Nationwide Celebrations

The festivities continued at Estadio da Varzea, the site of Cape Verde’s independence celebrations in 1975 and their first World Cup qualifiers in 2000. Fans packed the stadium and fan zones, enjoying live music from diaspora artists, including members of Dutch hip-hop act Broederliefde, linked to Cape Verdean players.

Streets across Praia and other islands like São Vicente were filled with fans waving flags, playing drums, and celebrating the historic qualification. Local residents described the event as unparalleled in national significance.

Taxi driver Maximo Gomes said:

“Yes, it is the biggest event since independence. The President said this and it is how the people feel.”

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Cape Verde: The Second-Smallest Nation to Reach the World Cup

Cape Verde joins Iceland as the second-smallest country to ever qualify for a World Cup. With the tournament set in Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2026, Cape Verde could face former colonial rulers Portugal, featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, on football’s biggest stage.

Fans and officials alike see the World Cup as an opportunity not just to compete but to elevate Cape Verdean football, inspire youth development, and promote national pride across the archipelago and the diaspora.