### Cape Verde's Historic Journey to the FIFA World Cup: A Milestone for a Small Nation Cape Verde, a small island nation in West Africa, has made history by qualifying for its first-ever FIFA World Cup, set to take place in 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the nation, which has only recently emerged on the international football scene. Just 25 years ago, Cape Verde was rarely involved in international football, but it has now secured its place as one of the nine African representatives in the upcoming tournament. The Blue Sharks, as the national team is known, clinched their spot by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in a decisive match held in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, showcasing their dominance in Group B with a total of 23 points, finishing ahead of established teams like Cameroon, which has participated in eight World Cups [https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/the-second-smallest-nation-to-qualify-for-fifa-world-cup-cape-verde/20251014.htm, https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/cape-verde-makes-history-qualifies-for-its-first-ever-fifa-world-cup/4010025]. ### Breakdown of Cape Verde's World Cup Qualification 1. **Historic Achievement**: Cape Verde qualifies for its first World Cup, becoming the second-smallest nation to do so after Iceland. 2. **Decisive Match**: The qualification was secured with a 3-0 victory over Eswatini, with goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and veteran Stopira. 3. **Group Performance**: The team topped Group B with 23 points, outperforming traditional football powerhouses like Cameroon and Libya. 4. **Celebration and Impact**: The qualification has sparked widespread celebrations across the nation, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the island's identity and pride [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/cape-verde-erupts-in-celebration-after-first-world-cup-qualification, https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/cape-verde-create-history-become-second-smallest-nation-to-qualify-for-fifa-world-cup-after-beating-eswatini]. ### Supporting Evidence of Cape Verde's Qualification - **Match Details**: Cape Verde's victory over Eswatini was characterized by a strong second-half performance, overcoming initial nerves to secure the win. - **Group Standings**: - Cape Verde: 23 points - Cameroon: 20 points - Libya: 18 points - **Population Context**: With a population of just over 550,000, Cape Verde is now the second-smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland, which qualified in 2018 [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/tiny-island-giant-leap-cape-verde-fifa-world-cup-4009406, https://www.apnews.com/article/cape-verde-iceland-smallest-world-cup-99d3832a2361ab630e5234cd4d77fc9c]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Cape Verdean Football In summary, Cape Verde's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a monumental achievement that reflects the growth and potential of football in the nation. This historic moment not only elevates the profile of Cape Verde on the global stage but also serves as an inspiration for smaller nations in the world of sports. The journey to the World Cup has been marked by determination and skill, culminating in a victory that will be celebrated for generations to come. 1. **Historic Qualification**: Cape Verde secures its first World Cup spot. 2. **Group Dominance**: The team finishes first in their qualifying group. 3. **Celebration and Pride**: The nation erupts in joy, marking a significant cultural moment. 4. **Future Prospects**: This achievement sets the stage for Cape Verde's future in international football [https://www.graphic.com.gh/sports/sports-news/cape-verde-clinches-historic-first-ever-qualification-for-2026-fifa-world-cup.html, https://www.hindustantimes.com/genesis/historic-world-cup-qualification-for-cape-verde-islanders-101760380278826.html].