Cape Verde legend hails 'historic moment' ahead of nation's first FIFA World Cup match

Cape Verde's first appearance at a FIFA World Cup marks the culmination of a remarkable rise for one of Africa's smallest footballing nations as they prepare to face Spain in their opening Group H match on Monday.

Home to a population of around 525,000, the island nation joined FIFA in 1986 and has steadily climbed the world rankings to earn a place at football's biggest tournament.

Former Cape Verde international Anselmo 'Jair' Ribeiro, who represented the Blue Sharks when they were ranked 182nd in the world, says qualifying for the World Cup is the reward for decades of progress.

"We've been building up to this moment for years," Jair said to the BBC.

"I think about my grandfather, my grandmother. I get so emotional talking about it because they aren't here to witness this historical moment for our country."

Jair recalled the sacrifices made by players during his era, revealing that he often had to pay for his own flights to represent Cape Verde.

The country's football fortunes have since been transformed. Now ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde will face Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H as they look to make a memorable impression on their World Cup debut.

Qualification has sparked celebrations across the archipelago, with many supporters describing the achievement as one of the greatest moments in the nation's sporting history since gaining independence in 1975.

Cape Verde will also be aiming to become the first African nation since Ghana in 2006 to progress beyond the group stage at their maiden FIFA World Cup.