Carnival in the Streets: Cape Verde Celebrates Maiden World Cup Spot [GALLERY]

Cape Verde Qualifies for World Cup

Cape Verde's capital, Praia, erupted into a vibrant carnival-like celebration as the island nation joyfully marked its historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.

“I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally...”

Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever. The tiny archipelago nation celebrated with a carnival-like atmosphere in the streets of its capital, Praia.

Euphoric fans poured out of the Cape Verde National Stadium after the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 World Cup finals. The celebrations featured honking horns, street fireworks, and dancing to reggae and local funana music.

Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito led the team to this historic moment, saying it's a victory for all Cape Verdean people and those who fought for independence. The team won Group D with 23 points, four more than Cameroon, and filled one of the nine places automatically reserved for Africa at the 2026 World Cup.

On the streets, people danced to reggae tunes and local funana music, creating an electric atmosphere. The excitement was palpable as fans celebrated the country's participation in the global showpiece.

“I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally,” said 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento, who was swept up in the moment. “It was an incredible moment,” he added, still buzzing from the experience.

Cape Verde becomes the second-least populous nation to reach the World Cup, after Iceland (2018 World Cup with 350,000 people).

“I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy,” said Praia resident Jose Vieira, still beaming with joy after the historic achievement.

The festivities were set to go on into the night with a concert at Praia's municipal stadium, featuring popular local artists Djodje and Soraia Ramos, keeping the energetic vibe alive.

Coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito expressed the magnitude of the moment, saying, “Giving this happiness to these people is enormous,” and adding it was “a victory for all the Cape Verdean people.”

Cape Verde topped Group D with 23 points, four points ahead of Cameroon, who have the most World Cup appearances in Africa with eight participations.

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

Cameroon ended their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola in Yaounde. Despite missing out on World Cup qualification, Cameroon's experienced side has a rich history in the tournament.

Cape Verde, an archipelago nation with 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The country first attempted World Cup qualification for the 2002 edition in Japan and South Korea, marking this qualification as a historic milestone.

“It's a special moment in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence,” coach Bubista said.

“It's a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by sport tv (@sporttvportugal)

The team has had notable success, reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in their debut in 2013 and again in 2023. Currently, they're ranked 70th in the world.

“It's time to celebrate,” said 39-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, expressing the team's jubilation. He revealed that he'd “been dreaming of this moment since I was a child,” highlighting the significance of this achievement for the team and its fans.

Cape Verde has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country has secured one of the nine automatic spots reserved for Africa, joining other qualified teams like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Ghana.

🇨🇻 Cape Verde is lit! Fans hit the streets to celebrate the Blue Sharks’ first-ever World Cup qualification 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/LUeKQJBLJT

— OkayAfrica (@OkayAfrica) October 13, 2025

“It's a very memorable moment for Cape Verdeans,” said 60-year-old journalist Fan Jose Jorge Borges. “The emotions are visible and difficult to describe,” he added, highlighting the overwhelming joy and excitement that comes with this achievement.