Cape Verde celebrates historic first World Cup qualification

The Atlantic island nation erupted with joy after its historic 3–0 home win over Eswatini secured a berth in football's 2026 World Cup across North America.

A carnival-like celebration swept through Cape Verde after the country qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.

The archipelago nation off the coast of Senegal is the smallest African country by population — and the second smallest in the world after Iceland — ever to qualify for the tournament.

How did Cape Verde celebrate?

Honking car horns, fireworks, and singing filled the streets of the capital, Praia, as fans poured out of the National Stadium following a 3–0 victory over Eswatini on Monday. The win clinched the "Blue Sharks" a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Crowds danced to reggae and the islands' trademark funana music in scenes reminiscent of the nation's carnival.

"I don't have words," 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told the AFP news agency. "I was at the stadium and supported our team unconditionally."

Coach Pedro "Bubista" Brito said the win was "a victory for all the Cape Verdean people." "Giving this happiness to these people is enormous," he told reporters.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde on what he called a "historic moment," saying the team's success was sure to "power a new generation of football lovers" across the country.

Cape Verde topped its qualifying group with 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon — Africa's most frequent World Cup participant with eight appearances.

An archipelago of 10 islands off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first entered World Cup qualifying in 2002.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar