By Olaitan Ibrahim
History was made in Praia on Monday evening as Cape Verde sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3–0 win over Eswatini, marking the island nation’s first-ever appearance at football’s biggest stage.
After a goalless first half at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde, the Blue Sharks came alive in the second period.
Rocha Livramento opened the scoring in the 48th minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. Six minutes later, Willy Semedo doubled the lead from a Dilan Borges assist, before veteran defender Stopira completed the rout in stoppage time following a fine pass from Duarte D.
The emphatic win confirmed Cape Verde’s place among Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Fans erupted in celebration across the archipelago, with President José Maria Neves hailing the qualification as “a proud day for every Cape Verdean.”
Cape Verde’s rise caps years of steady progress under coach Pedro Brito (Bubista), whose tactical discipline and faith in homegrown talent have transformed the Blue Sharks into one of Africa’s most consistent football forces.
With this victory, Cape Verde not only topped their qualification group but also etched their name into African football history, a small nation with a giant dream now bound for the world stage.