Cape Verde defied odds to qualify for their first ever FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks sealed the historic achievement on Monday after dispatching Eswatini 3-0.
The result meant Cape Verde topped group D on 22 points to earn a direct qualification spot ahead of giants Cameroon.
The small nation with a population of just over 500,000 people became the sixth African Nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup edition, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana.
FIFA President has on Tuesday come out to send his congratulatory message to Cape Verde and wishing them the best at next year’s tournament.
“An historic moment for Cape Verde . They have secured their first FIFA World Cup Qualification and punch their ticket to Canada, Mexico and the United States,” started Infantino
“Your flag will fly and your anthem will be heard at the greatest FIFA World Cup ever next year- savor this moment. Your work on football development has been incredible over the years. This is a great achievement for the nation and a moment where your stars will become global and power a new generation.” He added.
Cape Verde has in the recent past shown great strides in terms of football development. They for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time 2013. Since then, they have qualified in 2015, 2021 and 2023, and their best achievement was reaching the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2023.