The islands of Cape Verde have become the latest nation to officially qualify to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the latest African nation to do so.
The West African nation with a population of 524,877 people as of 2024, recorded the historic by topping Group D in the African qualifiers.
By sealing qualification to next year’s World Cup, Cape Verde have become the country with the second smallest population that will compete in the tournament.
Iceland hold the record as the country with the smallest population to compete at the World Cup which took place in the 2014 edition.
Cape Verde beat Eswatini 3-0 with all three goals coming in the second half from Rocha Livramento in the 48th minute, Willy Semedo in the 54th minute and Stopira in the 93rd minute.
They say there’s a first time for everything, don’t they? 🤩
Cape Verde write history and become our 6th representatives at the 2026 #FIFAWorldCup 🇨🇻✅ pic.twitter.com/UTTI94VXgI
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 13, 2025
The island nation finished on top of Group D with 23 points after recording seven wins, two draws and a loss in 10 games. Cameroon finished in second place with 19 points.
🇨🇻HISTORY! Cabo Verde have qualified for their first ever #FIFAWorldCup!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/8oMiVZ2eP5
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 13, 2025
Apito final e o Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde vai ao rubro 🤩🤩#sporttvportugal #QualificaçãoMundial2026 #CaboVerde pic.twitter.com/tcVbhvmW5a
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) October 13, 2025
