Carnival-like celebrations took place in Cape Verde after qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.
The archipelagic nation off the coast of Senegal is the smallest African country by population – and the second-smallest in the world after Iceland – to qualify for the tournament.
How did Cape Verde celebrate?
Crowds of fans gathered outside the national stadium after Monday’s 3-0 win over Eswatini, filling the streets of the capital Praia with car horns, fireworks and singing. The victory secured the “Blue Sharks” a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Crowds danced to reggae and the islands’ trademark Funana music in scenes reminiscent of the nation’s carnivals.
“I have no words,” fan Jorge Junior Livramiento, 37, told the AFP news agency. “I was in the stadium and supported our team unconditionally.”
Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito said the victory was “a victory for all Cape Verdean people.” “It’s a great thing to give these people this happiness,” he told reporters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated Cape Verde on what he called a “historic moment”, adding that the team’s success would certainly “empower a new generation of football lovers” across the country.
Cape Verde finished top of their qualifying group with 23 points, four points ahead of Cameroon – Africa’s most capped World Cup player with eight appearances.
An archipelago of 10 islands off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first entered World Cup qualifying in 2002.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar