Cape Verde have made history by becoming the second-smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup after a 3-0 victory over Eswatini secured their place at the 2026 finals.
The win in Praia confirmed the Blue Sharks as Group D winners, sealing qualification ahead of continental giants Cameroon.
Dailon Livramento opened the scoring early in the second half, turning in a loose ball from close range, before Willy Semedo doubled the lead with a well-taken volley.
Veteran defender Stopira added a third in stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations at the National Stadium.
An island nation of just under 525,000 people, Cape Verde — an archipelago off the west coast of Africa — gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has steadily risen in African football over the past two decades.
Ranked 70th in the world, they have reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals twice, in 2013 and 2023.
Only Iceland, who qualified for the 2018 World Cup, boast a smaller population among nations to have reached the global tournament.
Cape Verde’s qualification was built on consistency, including a crucial 1-0 win over Cameroon last month.
After missing a chance to seal progress in a 3-3 draw with Libya last week, they made no mistake at home against winless Eswatini.
President Jose Maria Neves was in attendance as the hosts overcame first-half nerves before Livramento’s goal settled the tie.
Centre-back Roberto “Pico” Lopes credited the expanded format — which gives Africa nine guaranteed spots at the 48-team 2026 World Cup — as a key motivator for the team.
“Traditionally, qualifying from Africa has been very tough,” Lopes said. “Now, finishing first gets you straight there. That extra motivation has driven us.”
Cameroon, meanwhile, must now battle through both African and inter-confederation play-offs after failing to win any of their away fixtures during the campaign.
