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Cape Verde, known for its crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, is set to steal the show for a variety of reasons this summer.
The 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean make up the world’s football database in North America, reaching the world stage as one of the 10 representatives of Africa.
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The qualification for Cape Verde coincided with the 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal, and the ‘Blue Sharks’ have the opportunity to give their fans a lot of fun as they go head-to-head with the best teams in the world.
Here’s everything you need to know about Cape Verde in Al Jazeera’s list of World Cup minnows.
How did Cape Verde make it to the 2026 World Cup?
Cape Verde – or Cabo Verde as it is known in Portuguese – qualified straight after a very good performance in the first round of the CAF qualifiers.
Topping a tough group, alongside Cameroon and Angola, they won eight out of 10 games to book their first World Cup ticket.
A 100% record in five home games, and unbeaten run was key to their progress.
On the final day of qualifying, Cape Verde started two points ahead of Cameroon, whose eight previous World Cup appearances are the most of any country in Africa. But at the final whistle, Cape Verde finished Group D with 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon, who crashed out in the second round.
With a population of around 600,000 and a surface area of only 4,000 square kilometres, Cape Verde is the third smallest country to qualify for the World Cup after Curacao, which is resuming this year, and Iceland, which competed in 2018.
Has Cape Verde ever played in a major tournament?
Yes. Cape Verde has participated in four Africa Cup of Nations, Africa’s premier football tournament. Their best results came in the quarter-finals at the start of their campaign in 2013 and at their final appearance in 2023.
They almost qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but were eliminated in the final group stage.
How is Cape Verde’s FIFA?
Cape Verde is ranked 69th, the second lowest team among the 10 African representatives at this year’s World Cup.
Who will Cape Verde face at the 2026 World Cup?
Cape Verde is in Group H with Spain, winners in 2010 and leading contenders for the 2026 title, former champions Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, who gave Argentina a stunning victory in the 2022 World Cup. All their groups will be played in the US.
- June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde – Atlanta Stadium
- June 21: Uruguay v Cape Verde -Miami Stadium
- June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia – Houston Stadium
Who is the head teacher of Cape Verde?
Bubista – whose full name is Pedro Leitao Brito – is a former Cape Verdean, who has been in charge of the national team for six and a half years.
He played 21 times for his country in the early 2000s and was admired as a captain before being replaced two years after his retirement. Twice as an assistant coach, Bubista was appointed head coach of Cape Verde in early 2020.
Under his leadership, Cape Verde played back-to-back AFCONs, all the way to knockouts, before making an unlikely exit from the 2026 World Cup. The win also earned him the CAF Coach of the Year 2025 honor.
Bubista – whose nickname comes from the Creole name of his birthplace, Boa Vista – has put a stamp on the team that makes them difficult to beat.
Who are the main players in Cape Verde?
Forward Dailon Livramento was Cape Verde’s top scorer with four goals, while defender Diney, midfielder Jamiro Monteiro, and winger Willy Semedo scored two each.
Captain Ryan Mendes, midfielder Vozinha and defender Roberto Lopes – also part of the 2022 World Cup squad – are other key players.
Cape Verde has deployed a national team network with players from several countries, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and the US.
How is Cape Verde preparing for the World Cup?
Cape Verde faced Chile and Finland in friendly matches in New Zealand in March, as part of the FIFA Series, a tournament sponsored twice for low-income and low-income countries.
They lost 4-2 to Chile but won 4-2 on penalties against Finland after a 1-1 draw.
What can we expect in Cape Verde?
Although Cape Verde may be considered minnows for the World Cup, writing them off would be a mistake. The ‘Blue Sharks’ have built a reputation as deadly giants, and their impressive run in the African qualifiers only adds to their appeal.
The spirit can be best described in the words of teacher Bubista: “We are a small country, but it is small on the map … a small country with a big heart”.
You can follow Al Jazeera’s dedicated content FIFA World Cup 2026 a page with the latest news, match updates and commentary, and know the standings of the team and the results of the matches in real time and the schedule.
