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“I don’t have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally,” he said.
Cape Verde secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup after a victory over Eswatini, marking a significant achievement for the team. Source: AP / Cristiano Barbosa
Cape Verde, located off the coast of Senegal, is the country with the smallest population to represent Africa in the global showpiece, with just 550,000 inhabitants.
The celebrations were expected to continue into the night with a concert at Praia’s municipal stadium featuring local artists such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos.
Festivities were set to extend into the night with a concert at Praia’s municipal stadium, featuring performances by local talents such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos.
Blue Sharks coach Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito told the press, “giving this happiness to these people is enormous”, adding that “it’s a victory for all the Cape Verdean people”.
“It’s a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence.”
Cape Verde is the country with the smallest population to represent Africa in the global football showpiece, with just 550,000 inhabitants. Source: AFP / Queila Fernandes
An emotional Vozinha, the 39-year-old goalkeeper, admitted: “I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a child. It’s time to celebrate.”
Captain and striker Ryan Mendes said: “Honestly, I don’t have the words to describe this moment. I’m very, very happy.”
Cape Verde’s Stopira (bottom) celebrates with his teammate after defeating Eswatini. Source: AP / Cristiano Barbosa
The team reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on their debut in 2013 and again in 2023, and are currently ranked 70th in the world.
