AGENCIES

Cape Verde has made history. On Monday, the Blue Sharks secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance with a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Praia, topping Group D ahead of African powerhouse Cameroon. Goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and veteran Stopira sparked celebrations across the archipelago.

For a nation of just 550,000 people, football is a unifying force. Streets in Praia overflowed with dancing fans, honking cars, and bursts of fireworks. Music filled the air -- the upbeat rhythms of funana and reggae accompanying waves of joy. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a child,” said goalkeeper Vozinha, 39, his voice trembling.

The triumph is especially poignant as it coincides with 50 years of independence from Portugal. Coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito called it “a victory for everyone who fought for our freedom.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated the team, calling the achievement “a historic moment likely to power a new generation of football lovers” across the nation.

Cape Verde’s journey has been remarkable. Once rarely seen in international football, they now join Africa’s nine World Cup representatives. The team finished Group D with 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon, recording seven clean sheets in ten matches. Their campaign included a famous 1-0 home win against Cameroon last month, signaling their potential to challenge Africa’s traditional powers.

Stopira, 37, scored the final goal after coming on as a substitute, symbolizing his long service since 2008 and years of collective effort. Fans like Jorge Junior Livramento described the scene as unforgettable: “I shouted until I lost my voice. It’s a dream — for the first time, the world will hear our anthem at the World Cup.”

Cape Verde becomes the second-least populous nation to reach a World Cup, after Iceland, and the smallest by land area, at just over 4,000 km². From their islands in the Atlantic to North America 2026, the Blue Sharks prove that even the smallest nations can achieve monumental dreams.