In one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 fifa world cup qualifiers, cape verde has booked its place at the global showpiece — making history as the second smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament.
The island nation with a population of just over 500,000 people has stunned the football world, securing a ticket to the fifa world cup for the very first time ahead of five times African champions, Cameroon.
Only iceland, with a population of around 330,000, was smaller when it qualified for the 2018 edition in Russia — making Cape Verde the second smallest country ever to achieve this feat.
Cape Verde qualified top of group D with 23 points defeating Eswatini three nil in their last match.
Known more for its beaches and music than footballing pedigree, cape verde’s qualification marks a monumental moment not just for the country but for african football.
The team has shown remarkable consistency, discipline, and tactical maturity throughout the qualifying campaign.
Their success is a testament to what smaller nations can achieve with the right investment in coaching, youth development, and national pride.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
