Cape Verde Qualifies for First-Ever FIFA World Cup After 3–0 Win Over Eswatini
Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 3–0 victory over Eswatini in their final Group D match on Monday. The win sealed their place at the top of the group ahead of football giants Cameroon, marking the island nation’s first-ever appearance at the global tournament.
The match, played in Praia, saw the Blue Sharks overcome a nervous first half before turning on the style in the second period. Dailon Livramento opened the scoring three minutes after the break, capitalising on Eswatini’s defensive lapse. Willy Semedo doubled the lead six minutes later, before veteran defender Stopira, making a sentimental late appearance, sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Cape Verde finished the group with 23 points, four clear of Cameroon, who were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaoundé. The result ended Cameroon’s direct qualification hopes, leaving them to contend for a playoff spot among the best runners-up.
The qualification is a remarkable milestone for Cape Verde, a nation of just over 600,000 people, making it the second-smallest country ever to reach the World Cup after Iceland in 2018.
Celebrations erupted across the archipelago after the final whistle, with the government having declared a public holiday for citizens to rally behind their team.
Cape Verde joins Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, and other African nations that have already secured their places at next year’s World Cup in North America.
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