Cape Verde have etched their name into football history after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday, October 13, 2025.
It was a day of national celebration across the Atlantic island nation, as the government declared a half-day holiday to let citizens share in the momentous occasion.
After a tense first half that ended goalless, the Blue Sharks came alive in the second period. Dailon Rocha Livramento broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, and just two minutes later, Willy Semedo doubled the lead. Veteran defender Stopira added the finishing touch in stoppage time (90+1) to seal the historic win.
The result saw Cape Verde finish top of Group D above African powerhouse Cameroon securing their first-ever ticket to the World Cup. With this achievement, the island nation of just 4,033 square kilometers becomes the smallest country ever to qualify for football’s biggest stage.
