The Country Proving Size Doesn’t Matter: Cape Verde’s Incredible Journey to the World Cup

The Country Proving Size Doesn’t Matter: Cape Verde’s Incredible Journey to the World Cup

An archipelago is the term used for a group of islands that cluster together to form a nation. Officially, there are 22 in the world, and only three of those archipelagic states have qualified for a FIFA World Cup in the tournament's history…

That all changed last night.

Whether it was Indonesia (then known as the Dutch East Indies) playing in the 1938 edition, Trinidad and Tobago at Germany ‘06, or Jamaica at France ‘98. It comes as no surprise that these islands that bundle together to become one have only ever made it to the world’s biggest stage on one occasion each.

Now it's Cape Verde’s turn.

📸 - CAPE VERDE HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP 2026.

THE FANS HAVE INVADED THE PITCH. pic.twitter.com/xixvVW8bRU

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 13, 2025

A Brief Geography Lesson

Officially known as the Republic of Cabo Verde. The West African islands are one-quarter of Macaronesia, a collection of four volcanic archipelagos in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. They are joined by the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores, but what sets Cape Verde apart is that they have a FIFA-recognised football association.

To put it into perspective, the Canary Islands have a population roughly five times that of Cape Verde. Therefore, in a hypothetical situation, if the Canary Islands suddenly became an independent nation and started their own football federation. Their qualification to the World Cup Finals would arguably be less impressive than what Cape Verde achieved last night.

A Devastating Diaspora

You may have already seen the overwhelming narrative flying around the football community: “Underdogs Cape Verde becomes the second-smallest nation to reach the World Cup” has been plastered over social media feeds in the last 24 hours.

HISTORY 🇨🇻

For the first time ever Cape Verde has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making them the second smallest country to ever qualify 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/C2NX8Zplsn

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 13, 2025

Surely this group of 10 islands filled with half a million people can’t have reached this achievement all by themselves, right? Correct, there’s a keyword missing here.

Diaspora.

The country’s Minister of Communities estimated that over two million Cape Verdeans form a worldwide diaspora. There was widespread migration from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s, before they gained independence from Portugal, meaning that if there’s anyone to thank for Cape Verde’s World Cup success, it's the nation’s ancestors all those years ago.

All of a sudden, a country of 500,000 becomes a global nation of 2,500,000, putting them above the population of Uruguay. However, it has taken years to piece together a national team fit to compete amongst the very best.

Out of the 16 players that took to the pitch against Eswatini, nine (or 56.25%) were born in either the Netherlands, France, Portugal, or Ireland. In fact, 15 different domestic leagues are represented in the Blue Sharks’ squad.

We are talking about a nation that, earlier this century, could’ve boasted the likes of Patrick Viera, Nani, and Henrik Larsson amongst their ranks, if they’d decided to represent one of the nation of their heritage.

Even in the present day, Renato Veiga, Nuno Tavares, Nelson Semedo, and Ricardo Pereira could’ve all lined up for the Blue Sharks, and by doing so, left a huge hole in Portugal’s fullback department.

This amalgamation of 25 individuals uniting to embrace their Cape Verdean culture has resulted in the nation of islands storming their World Cup Qualification group to win seven of their 10 games, losing just once in the process. It stretches further than the World Cup; Cape Verde are on an eight-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

This goal from Dailon Rocha Livramento gave Cape Verde a 1-0 win over Cameroon earlier to put them 4 points top of their group with just two games left to play and on the verge of qualifying for their first ever World Cup.

Sensational scenes. pic.twitter.com/do2GFVUfyP

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) September 9, 2025

A monumental achievement for a national outfit that, at the turn of the century, was ranked 182nd in the world.

Ahem, Dominica, big things are expected of you in 25 years' time!

Chinese Investment and a Close-Knit Squad

Twelve years on from their first-ever African Cup of Nations qualification, the team that plays in a cool shade of blue are ranked 70th in the FIFA rankings. A placement that will probably go up when the rankings are next calculated.

Other than their thorough attempt to recruit from a global player pool. Money from FIFA has also aided Cape Verde, allowing them to upgrade facilities. The nation also has a longstanding diplomatic relationship with China, the Asian nation funded Cape Verde’s national stadium a decade ago as part of their stadium diplomacy policy in Africa.

Pedro Leitão Brito, or Bubista as he is fondly nicknamed, has also got the Blue Sharks playing a dynamic style of football that revolves around nimble centre forward, Dailon Livramento, a mainstay for his national team in recent months. A core defensive base of Shamrock Rovers’ Roberto Lopes and 2024 MLS Defender of the Year, Steven Moreira, has also helped keep seven clean sheets in their 10 World Cup Qualification games.

From the Africa’s North Coast in Libya, to the very South in Eswatini, with a pit stop at Mauritius in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Cape Verde have been on an incredible journey that has resulted in jubilation, plaguing the streets of Praia, the nation's capital.

Customary manager press conference invasion by the players. pic.twitter.com/FLIjAzmEVu

— Nick Miller (@NickMiller79) October 13, 2025

The travelling and work off the pitch extends even further than it does on the field. Numerous conversations, in an attempt to convince those living abroad, some who’d never even set foot in Cape Verde, have taken place. Persuading individuals plying their trade in Saudi Arabia, Finland, Israel, the UAE, and Bulgaria to put down their tools to join what has ultimately become one of the most heartwarming stories to come out of the beautiful game in 2025.

Jogo limpo, Tubarões Azuis.