'Special moment' as tiny Cape Verde reach World Cup

A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde's capital Praia on Oct 13, after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

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Supporters of the Blue Sharks celebrating after left-back Stopira's stoppage-time goal seals Cape Verde's historic 3-0 victory over Eswatini, sending the archipelago nation of 550,000 inhabitants to the 2026 Finals in North America.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 Finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.

It was "an incredible moment", 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP near the stadium.

"I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally," he said.

Congratulating Cape Verde on their "historic moment", Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the achievement was likely to "power a new generation of football lovers" across the nation.