Cape Verde erupt in celebration after historic first-ever World Cup qualification

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

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

It was “an incredible moment”, 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livra-mento said near the stadium.

“T 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.