Cape Verde’s maiden qualification for the FIFA World Cup is more than a sporting feat; it is a testament to ambition, identity, and perseverance. On 13 October 2025, the “Blue Sharks” delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Eswatini in Praia, clinching first place in Group D of the African qualifiers and securing their spot in the 2026 tournament. In doing so, they etched their name in the history books as the second-smallest nation ever to reach a men’s World Cup, behind only Iceland in 2018.

This achievement marks a milestone not just for the island archipelago but for football in Africa. It’s definitive proof that with vision, discipline, and unity, even nations with limited resources can aim for the world stage.

Cape Verde’s Football History and Growth

Football arrived in Cape Verde with Portuguese influence. However, in later years, building a competitive national structure was slow and resource-constrained. The domestic league was structured with just 12 teams at the top level. This format couldn’t sustain high-performance development by itself, and so, much of the talent pipeline lies within Cape Verdean communities abroad.

Cape Verde first qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013 and stunned fans and critics alike by reaching the quarterfinals on its debut campaign. They repeated the feat in 2023, signaling that the islands were not merely participants but worthwhile contenders. These continental runs, while not world-shaking, paved the way for greater confidence, improved scouting, and increased expectations.

While Cape Verde did not always enter World Cup qualifiers (they only began serious attempts around the early 2000s), the country’s upward trajectory became more evident over the past decade, from modest group showings to now securing a historic berth at the top-tier football tournament.

Star Players behind Cape Verde’s World Cup Dream

The Blue Sharks’ biggest strength has always been collective strength. But in their recent run, several individuals have stood out.

Dailon Livramento: The Netherlands-born forward and Casa Pia player opened the scoring in Praia just three minutes into the second half. His goal was crucial in settling the nerves and setting the tone. The 24-year-old scored 4 goals in the African qualifiers in total.

Willy Semedo: A key attacking presence, he volleyed the second goal and had been instrumental throughout the qualifying campaign.

Stopira: The veteran defender capped the victory with a stoppage-time strike, sealing the victory over Eswatini.

Edilson Alberto Monteiro Sanches Borges: Fondly known as “Diney”, the Emirati club Al Bataeh player, was involved in 3 goals for Cape Verde in the African qualifiers, playing a crucial role in the country securing its ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Evora Dias and Roberto Lopes: The 39-year-old goalie and the Shamrock Rovers defender put in 898 and 808 playing minutes, respectively, for Cape Verde at the recently concluded African tournament, making sure Cape Verde’s defense kept the attackers at bay.

These players epitomize Cape Verde’s strategy: Relying on diaspora and foreign-based talent who play in European elite leagues, instead of depending solely on home-based stars. Livramento and Semedo are prime examples of how diaspora recruitment has been central to this campaign. However, it should be noted that not one current squad member of Cape Verde plays in Europe’s top five leagues, underscoring how the team succeeds more through cohesion and opportunity than marquee names.

How Cape Verde’s Qualification Impacts African Football

Cape Verde’s success is symbolic for many African nations with limited footballing infrastructure. The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup, which grants Africa nine automatic slots, has created a fresh opportunity. As Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes had put it, “Traditionally, it’s been difficult to qualify for the World Cup … This time, if you finish first, you’re in.”

This structural change, combined with smart talent identification, can shift power dynamics and make Africa a major player in the global football scene in the coming years. Cape Verde may now serve as a blueprint: Use a compact tactical system, lean on diaspora networks, and maintain stability in coaching and purpose. Their climb invites comparison to Iceland’s 2018 breakthrough, but within the distinct competitive pressures of African qualification, it feels even more remarkable!

Cape Verde’s Coaching Staff’s Influence

At the centre of this transformation is Pedro Leitão Brito, commonly known as Bubista, who has been at the helm of the national team since January 2020. His leadership has provided the backbone to Cape Verde’s progress. Bubista’s approach is defined by defensive solidity, tactical organization, and quick transitions.

The team is structured to be tough to break down, with disciplined lines and coordinated pressing. The coach drills his players with game plans, transitions, and compactness – all of which are vital traits against more talented opponents. When the opportunity arises, the team moves swiftly from defense to attack, exploiting space and catching defenses off guard. All of these tactical moves have been laid bare by Cape Verde for the world to see at the African qualifiers.

Interesting fact to note: Bubista kept his job even after the country missed the African qualifiers once on a previous occasion. This time, he returned the favor in style.

What’s Next for Cape Verde Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

Key goals should include retaining core players across foreign leagues and ensuring their availability for training camps and friendlies. But the waters should be tested. With that in mind, scheduling high-quality friendlies to test tactics against stronger opponents and simulate World Cup conditions should be the way to go. Investing in youth and infrastructure, leveraging this qualification to attract resources for academies, coaching, and domestic competitiveness, should undoubtedly be on the to-do list for Cape Verde as well.

Cape Verde’s aim for 2026 should not be mere participation. They should seek to surprise, to score, and to show that they belong. Given the momentum, the draw (scheduled for Washington, D.C. on 4 December 2025) will shape the next chapter of their journey.

Cape Verde’s journey from a modest archipelago to a World Cup qualifier is a story of careful strategy, audacious faith, and unyielding belief. Under coach Bubista’s guidance and a tactical spirit tuned for resilience and pace, Cape Verde has defied expectations. Their qualification is a victory not only for the island’s people but for all underdog nations dreaming of the global stage.