The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have the privilege of seeing one of the smaller nations in Africa, Cape Verde play at one of the most anticipated football competition in the world.
Cape Verde wrote their name in history on Monday, October 13, 2025 after their impressive 3-0 victory over Eswatini in their final group. Second-half goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo and Stopira earned the hosts a comfortable victory at the National Stadium in Praia.
This result ensured Cape Verde finished top of Group D of African qualification, four points ahead of second-place Cameroon, who drew 0-0 at home to Angola on Monday.
They had initially missed the chance to qualify last week following an entertaining 3-3 draw with Libya in their penultimate group match. Cape Verde’s only loss in the group was a 4-1 defeat in Cameroon on matchday three, but Cameroon’s surprise draws in Libya, Eswatini and Angola, coupled with a 1-0 defeat in Cape Verde last month gave the islanders the advantage.
Cameroon are now aiming to be one of the top four of nine group runners-up to secure a play-off spot for the World Cup. Cape Verde have become the second smallest country in history to qualify for a World Cup.