Frontier Correspondent
Praia, Cape Verde – October 13, 2025
Cape Verde have done it — the tiny island nation has booked its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic first for the Blue Sharks and their 590,000 proud citizens.
The team sealed qualification in style with a 3–0 thrashing of Eswatini in Praia, topping their group ahead of African powerhouses Cameroon and Angola. The victory lit up the capital and sent waves of celebration across the islands, as thousands poured into the streets waving flags and chanting “Tubarões! Tubarões!” (Sharks!).
Goals from Jamiu Silva, Ryan Mendes, and Gilson Varela powered the Blue Sharks to glory in a campaign that has redefined Cape Verdean football.
“This is more than a win — it’s a dream realized,” said head coach Bubista, who took charge in 2019. “We’ve shown that no nation is too small to dream big.”
It’s been a long journey for Cape Verde, who not long ago were football’s outsiders. Two quarterfinal appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations signaled their rise — but this qualification cements them as a serious force on the continent.
President José Maria Neves hailed the team as “heroes of the republic,” promising full government backing for their World Cup campaign.
With this triumph, Cape Verde becomes one of Africa’s confirmed representatives at next year’s expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — joining the ranks of Morocco, Tunisia, and Ghana.
From fishing villages to global stadiums, the Blue Sharks have proven that heart, unity, and belief can defy every odd.