Cape Verde makes history with first World Cup qualification

Johannesburg
Palesa Manaleng

Palesa Manaleng

14 October 2025 | 13:21

Notably, Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland, which made its appearance in the 2018 tournament held in Russia.

Cape Verde makes history with first World Cup qualification

Supporters celebrate Cape Verde’s victory against Eswatini during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers group D match at a fan zone in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, on October 13, 2025. Picture: QUEILA FERNANDES / AFP.

In a remarkable triumph, Cape Verde has secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup, marking their debut in football's grandest tournament.

On Monday, Cape Verde clinched their place by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in their final group match, allowing them to top the group standings ahead of Cameroon and complete what can only be described as a fairytale campaign.

Notably, Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland, which made its appearance in the 2018 tournament held in Russia.

The island nation dominated Group D, finishing with 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon—currently the African country with the most World Cup appearances at eight. Cameroon settled for a goalless draw against Angola in Yaoundé, which sealed their fate.

With this historic achievement, Cape Verde joins a distinguished list of African nations that have qualified, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana.

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