Cape Verde has put their name in football history, becoming the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after defeating Eswatini 3–0 in Praia on Sunday.

The emphatic victory secured top spot in Group D, sealing the Blue Sharks’ place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ahead of continental powerhouse Cameroon.

In front of a jubilant home crowd at the National Stadium, Dailon Livramento opened the scoring early in the second half, capitalising on a loose ball inside the six-yard box.

Moments later, Willy Semedo doubled the advantage with a well-taken volley before veteran defender Stopira put the result beyond doubt with a stoppage-time strike.

The final whistle sparked scenes of pure joy across the archipelago of 10 Atlantic islands, as fans celebrated Cape Verde’s first-ever qualification for football’s biggest stage.

With a population of just under 525,000, Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup, behind Iceland, which featured in the 2018 edition in Russia.

The island nation, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, has steadily grown into a formidable footballing force in Africa.

They reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on debut in 2013 and repeated the feat in 2023, cementing their reputation as overachievers on the continental scene.