Cape Verde’s World Cup dream becomes a symbol of national pride and progress

A commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday sealed the Blue Sharks’ place at their first-ever World Cup, confirming their spot among Africa’s representatives at next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The monumental achievement was witnessed by a jubilant home crowd at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, where President Jose Maria Neves led the celebrations. In a powerful address, Neves described the feat as a “new independence” for the nation — a symbol of how far Cape Verde has come since gaining independence in 1975.

“This is, symbolically, a new independence,” said President Neves, as quoted by Pan African Football. “We have shown that in 50 years we have grown in every aspect of life. From an unlikely nation in 1975, we now reveal that we are a country of possibilities. If we can go to the World Cup, we can succeed in any field — we are a people with a great soul.”

Following the victory, the players and technical staff were awarded the nation’s highest distinction and received an official welcome from Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, who hailed the qualification as a shared national triumph.

“We made history. This country, these players, the coaching staff — we all made history,” said the Prime Minister.

Messages of congratulations poured in from around the world, including from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

For coach Bubista and his players, Cape Verde’s qualification is not just a football achievement — it’s a moment that unites a nation and cements its place on the global stage.