When Cape Verde defeated Eswatini 3‑0 in Praia on October 13, 2025, the tiny island nation achieved something extraordinary.
It secured its first ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, punching a ticket to the 2026 edition slated to be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With a population of just over 520,000 people, Cape Verde has also become the second‑smallest country by population and the smallest country by size ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup, a remarkable milestone in international football.
The Road to the Biggest Competition in the World
Cape Verde’s journey to the 2026 World Cup has not been a sudden surprise but the result of years of steady progress.
Under coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito, the national team built up experience through multiple appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations, including strong performances in 2013 and 2023, where they reached the quarterfinals.
In the qualification campaign, Cape Verde found itself in Group D of the CAF qualifiers, alongside heavyweights like Cameroon. After some ups and downs, they secured a crucial victory over Cameroon at home, which put them in pole position to qualify.
The final group game against Eswatini was the moment of truth: needing a win to ensure the top spot, Cape Verde delivered with goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and a stoppage‑time finish by Stopira.
That win clinched automatic qualification, ahead of teams many thought would dominate that group.
Size Doesn’t Stop Their Dream
Cape Verde is an archipelago off the west coast of Africa, consisting of ten volcanic islands, with a small land area and modest infrastructure compared to many football powerhouses.
Nevertheless, this qualification shows how factors like national identity, diaspora support, coaching, and consistent competition can add up.
The team’s squad includes players born outside Cape Verde, part of the diaspora, and those raised locally; these connections help bring quality, experience, and exposure to broader football styles.
The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams also played a role. More slots for qualification mean more opportunities for nations that have traditionally been on the periphery to compete and qualify.
But Cape Verde’s achievement goes beyond benefiting from expansion: topping a tough group and beating established teams demonstrates real effort and ability.
How Small is Cape Verde?
From a population standpoint, Cape Verde’s roughly 525,000 people put it just behind Iceland, which remains the smallest country by population to have ever qualified for the men’s World Cup, doing so in 2018.
In terms of land area, Cape Verde may also set records: its size is smaller than many other nations that have played in the World Cup, which makes its feat even more striking.
Being “small” in population or geographic size usually means less budget for youth development, less infrastructure, fewer professional leagues, and less media visibility.
But Cape Verde’s national team has shown how overcoming those limitations is possible through strategic planning, tapping into its diaspora, strong leadership, and moments of inspiration on the pitch.
What This Means for the People of Cape Verde
Qualifying for the World Cup will have wide‑ranging effects in Cape Verde. National pride has surged: streets in Praia and other islands celebrated, flags waved, and the whole country paused to witness history.
The financial and developmental impact can also be significant. Participation in the World Cup usually brings increased investment in football infrastructure, youth training, and improved visibility for players, some of whom ply their trade internationally.
It may also improve Cape Verde’s FIFA ranking, attract better coaching, and incentivize local clubs and academies to raise standards.
