BEACON OF HOPE FOR TINY NATIONS

In this series, The Straits Times highlights the players or teams to watch in the world of sport. Today, we focus on the journey of tiny Cape Verde, who made waves with a historic World Cup berth.

- Andy Ng Correspondent

Jubilant supporters celebrating Cape Verde's 3-0 victory over Eswatini that confirmed their World Cup qualification on Oct 13. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

In a nation of only 525,000 people scattered across 10 volcanic islands off Africa’s west coast, football has long been more than just a game in Cape Verde - it is a symbol of unity and aspiration.

The national team - nicknamed the “Blue Sharks” - have quietly punched above their weight in the sport.

But on Oct 13, they delivered a seismic shock and made waves, defeating Eswatini 3-0 to clinch their group’s top spot and qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

With a population smaller than many European cities, the archipelago nation secured their first-ever berth at the global showpiece, edging out five-time African champions Cameroon by four points.

This triumph, as they look ahead to the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks not just a sporting milestone but also a cultural eruption for a country marking 50 years of independence from Portugal in 1975.

The victory unfolded at Estadio Nacional in Praia, the capital, before a sellout crowd of 15,000.

A tense, goalless first half gave way to second-half fireworks as Dailon Rocha Livramento, Willy Semedo and veteran defender Stopira sealed the famous victory.

Ranked 71st globally, Cape Verde finished with 23 points from 10 matches — seven wins, two draws and one loss — showcasing tactical discipline under coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito.

Their only stumble was a 4-1 drubbing in Cameroon early on, but revenge came in September with a 1-0 home win over the Indomitable Lions, a result that all but guaranteed their ascent.

For Cape Verde, qualification transcends the pitch.