The secrets of Cape Verde: the tiny country that will play in the 2026 World Cup

On the island of Praia, under a sky that seems starry with the dreams of an entire nation, the “Blue Sharks” sang a song of glory. He September 9, 2025in a National Stadium vibrant and full of fervor, Cape Verde knocked off Cameroona colossus of the African continent, with a 1-0 that resounded like thunder in the Atlantic. Dailon Livramentowith a goal that seemed dictated by the football gods, opened the door to a future that until recently seemed like a mirage: qualifying for his first World Cup.

This victory was not just a goal; It was the materialization of decades of dreams, of invisible efforts, of a people who have known how to make their history an epic. It’s not just football; It is the voice of an archipelago that resists and rises, a collective heartbeat that announces that the impossible is about to become reality.

I achieved the goal of being in the 2026 World Cup. After the 3-3 draw against Libya on October 8, accomplished the feat on Monday the 13th by beating Eswatini 3-0 as local. One more step to write your great story.

Cape Verde, a path of struggle and sacrifice

The journey to the 2026 World Cup is a rollercoaster of challenges where each step is loaded with meaning. Cape Verde, with barely half a million inhabitants, faces a world where giants dominate the scene and the story seem written against him. But this small country has shown that greatness is not measured in population or budget, but in the ability to dream and fight with the tenacity of the oceans that surround it.

Leading Group D with 23 points, The “Blue Sharks” sail with the force of an unstoppable wind. Not only did they achieve the ticket to the World Cup, but they seek to immortalize themselves, to write a chapter that will resonate in the islands and in the hearts of every Cape Verdean who believes in the magic of sport.

The Cape Verde National Team and the soul of a people in each pass

Beyond strategy and technique, lThe true essence of Cape Verde is reflected in every pass, in every sweep, in every shout from the stands. In this land where the sea and the sun embrace each other, football is a sacred ritual, a dance that connects the entire community. The fans who invaded the field after the victory over Cameroon not only celebrated a result; It celebrated an identity, a shared hope that shines with the force of a thousand stars.

This collective passion is the invisible engine that drives the players. It is the echo of the waves that break against the rocks, the melody of a town that refuses to disappear into anonymity. Football here is a universal language that transforms each encounter into a battle for dignity, joy and national pride.

Dailon Livramento: the unexpected hero of Cape Verde

In the history of Cape Verde, Dailon Livramento is much more than a footballer: he is the living symbol of a possible dream. Born in Rotterdamson of the Cape Verdean diaspora, his goal against Cameroon was the culmination of a journey that crosses continents and generations. His determination and dedication have ignited the flame that now burns in the hearts of his compatriots.

Livramento embodies the union between the global and the local, between heritage and modernity. His goal was not only a point on the scoreboard; It was a beacon that illuminates the path for young people who see football as a door to the world and, at the same time, a sacred link with their roots.

Along with his story, that of so many others like that of Roberto Lopesor Pico, who was born in Irelandplayed for the U-19 of that country and was contacted to play for Cape Verde through the social network LinkedInsince it has Cape Verdean roots.

The helmsman’s voice: Bubista and the historical feat of Cape Verde

The coach Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubistahas reflected with pride and emotion the meaning of this unique moment for Cape Verde. “Right now, everything is in our hands. When I was a player or assistant, we felt like we were small, but today we have shown that we can face any team, even those that have better conditions than us”he stated with a mix of humility and determination, showing the combative soul of a team that refuses to be underestimated.

For Bubista, the dream of the World Cup is more than a sporting goal: it is the vindication of a people and a history of struggle. “The principles are the same: we want to win the game. We know the difficulty of the opponent and also that the team is quite tired from traveling and matches. But we are going to try to rest the team and give a good performance to play for the three points”he explained, highlighting the commitment and meticulous preparation of his players.

This small Atlantic country has also found in Bubista a voice that channels collective hope. After a decisive victory, the coach commented: “This victory is a source of pride because we finished the first round of qualifying in first place,” a phrase that resonates like a battle song, a symbol of the hard work and resilience of a group that wants to make history.

The dream of the 2026 World Cup is within reach of Cape Verde

The World Cup It is no longer a chimera for Cape Verde, but a reality that beats strongly in every corner of the archipelago. Every training session, every call-up, every minute on the field is a step towards eternity. The classification for this World Cup is an act of modern heroism, a battle that transcends sport and becomes a symbol of hope for a people that has known how to rise again and again.

The “Blue Sharks” showed the world that in life, as in football, size does not define destiny. The epic that began in the Atlantic reached its peakand Cape Verde will register your name between the immortals of universal football.