Cabo Verde has just qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, becoming the second least populous country to do so since Iceland in 2018. A country with a population of just 525,000 has established their name worldwide, where people have nothing much to celebrate.
Like other underdeveloped nations, Cabo Verde was once a Portuguese colony, gaining its Self-government in 1975. Although that has not been long, they established their football regulatory body. The Cape Verdean Football Federation (FCF) is just four & half decades old. Enjoying football through the rose-tinted lens of Europe, spectators, fans, and pundits all talk about the technology, analysis, infrastructure and youth advancement. However, the concepts are still largely out of the country’s vocabulary.
Scouting Expatriates from Around the World
Although the land of Cabo Verde is home to five lakes residence but report (International Organization for Migration) suggests that over one million live abroad. Mainly in countries like the USA, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and Luxembourg. So, the expatriates are indeed larger than the population of natives in the country.
The team includes 90 per cent diaspora players, while a minimal number of natives featured in the squad. Players once dreamt of playing for European nations, but only reached U17, U19, or U21. However, now they will achieve their ambitions to perform on the greatest show on Earth.
Players like Roberto Lopes, better known as ‘Pico’, made the story more heart-warming. Born in Dublin to an Irish mother and a Cape Verdean father, his journey to the 2026 World Cup is nothing short of a roller coaster.
Before starting his football career, he worked as a bank clerk. He received an invitation to join the Cape Verde national team through a LinkedIn from then-coach Rua Aguas in 2019. Over the years, he has become an essential asset for the team, playing a major role in Cape’s World Cup qualification.
An Astonishing CONCACAF Campaign
Last night, they outscored Eswatini 3-0. They confirmed their 5th December sit-in in Washington DC to discover who will be their opponents in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The campaign is unquestionably historic, not because they just qualified for the first time, but the dominance they displayed. The campaign included a splendid run to five consecutive victories, which consisted of a famous 1-0 home win over Cameroon last month.
So far, they will discover their group on 5th December in Washington DC. Cabo Verde’s journey towards the World Cup is a testament to resilience, grace and greatness.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.