After an incredible display during World Cup qualifiers, Cape Verde has officially qualified for the nation's first FIFA World Cup.
History made.
After securing a triumphant 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday, Oct. 13, the Cape Verdean men's soccer team secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup. This is the first time the "Tubarões Azuis" (Blue Sharks) have qualified for the tournament; they are just the second smallest nation ever to do so — only behind Iceland.
The tournament will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June to July 2026. With Boston selected as a host city, Brockton's significant Cape Verdean population might be able to transform Gillette Stadium into something of a home game for Cape Verde. Match locations and opponents will be named on Friday, Dec. 5 during the tournament's official draw.
More Cape Verdeans live outside the home islands (about 700,000 people according to the United Nations) than on them (almost 600,000 by the CIA's latest estimate).
No U.S. city has more Cape Verdeans than Brockton. According to 2020 Census estimates, nearly 20,000 Cape Verdeans live in the city. Statewide, Massachusetts is home to 70,962 Cape Verdean residents, with Rhode Island following at 17,600.
When will the World Cup schedule be known
Held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., December's 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup draw will decide who the Blue Sharks match up against in the tournament's group stage.
Cape Verde, like all other nations in the tournament, will play three group stage matches. If they're able to make it out of group round, the team will advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
How Cape Verde soccer made the historic victory
After heading into halftime against Eswatini tied at zeroes, Cape Verde came alive after halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, striker Dailon Rocha Livramento blasted home a proper poacher's finish as the home crowd exploded in cheers.
Ten minutes later, Willy Semedo doubled the Blue Sharks lead. While a good finish, it was the winger's celebration that will be the lasting image of Cape Verde's historic World Cup qualification. Seemingly before the ball was even in the net, Semedo rushed over to the stands, ripped off his shirt, jumped into the crowd and held his fist high.
Just before the final whistle blew, the 37-year-old Stopira — a veteran of the Cape Verde national team — powered home the Blue Sharks final goal of the night. Final score: 3-0. Cape Verde is heading to to the World Cup.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Cape Verde secures historic World Cup bid. What comes next
Category: General Sports
