Cape Verde made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. Other teams that qualify for the FIFA World Cup are also available at the trusted betting website 1xBet too.
The Blue Sharks earned a direct place at the expanded 48-team tournament after an outstanding campaign in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers. Here they became one of the tournament’s most inspiring debutants.
The African qualification format featured 9 groups of 6 teams. Each group winner qualified automatically for the World Cup, while only a limited number of runners-up advanced to a separate playoff. Cape Verde were drawn into Group D alongside:
- Cameroon;
- Angola;
- Libya;
- Mauritius;
- and Eswatini.
Facing experienced opponents, especially 4-time African champions Cameroon, the island nation exceeded expectations with disciplined and consistent performances. And at the betting website 1xBet you can find a trusted platform to wager on African football too.
Cape Verde’s qualification campaign was built on defensive solidity and efficiency rather than high-scoring football. They won 7 of their 10 qualifying matches, drew twice and lost only once, collecting 23 points to finish four points ahead of Cameroon. The team scored 16 goals while conceding only 8, with an especially impressive home record that saw them win all 5 home matches without allowing a single goal.
Getting some great victories
Several victories proved decisive. Cape Verde defeated Mauritius home and away, earned valuable wins against Angola, and secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Cameroon in September 2025. Entering the final round of matches, they still needed a positive result to guarantee qualification. On 13 October 2025, they completed the job with a convincing 3-0 victory over Eswatini, sealing top spot in Group D and booking their historic place at the World Cup.
Head coach Bubista guided the team throughout the campaign, creating a disciplined side capable of competing with stronger footballing nations. Players such as Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo and experienced captain Ryan Mendes made important contributions in attack. At the same time, the defence and goalkeeper Vozinha provided the consistency needed over the 10-match qualification campaign.
Qualifying for the World Cup represented a landmark achievement for a nation of just over half a million people. It was the reward for years of steady progress, including several appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and an impressive run to the quarter-finals in 2023.