Africa's Newest World Cup Representative: The Story of Cape Verde's Historic Qualification | OneFootball

A dream come true for the Blue Sharks after decades of steady rise

Africa's Newest World Cup Representative: The Story of Cape Verde's Historic Qualification

Cape Verde have written one of the most remarkable chapters in African football history sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.

The Atlantic island nation with population of barely 600000 defeated Eswatini 3 - 0 on Monday 13 October to claim historic spot at the global showpiece.

The result completed near perfect qualifying campaign and underlined the meteoric rise of the Blue Sharks who've steadily evolved from continental outsiders into one of Africa’s most inspiring football stories.

From minnows to global stage

Cape Verde’s ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once considered minnows in African football, the nation made its Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2013 reaching the quarter finals in stunning first appearance.

They repeated that feat in 2024. Where they topped their group ahead of Egypt & Ghana and fought their way to the quarter finals before heartbreaking penalty shootout exit to South Africa.

Their qualification for the 2026 World cup , hosted across USA, Canada and Mexico is groundbreaking achievement.

It marks 1st time the Blue Sharks will compete among the world’s elite and it comes just 2 decade after their maiden attempt at World cup qualifying in 2002.