Cape Verde celebrates historic Fifa World Cup qualification

  • Cape Verde's Stopira, bottom, celebrates with his teammate after defeating Eswatini 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. AP Photo
    Cape Verde's Stopira, bottom, celebrates with his teammate after defeating Eswatini 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. AP Photo
  • Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini 3-0. AP
    Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini 3-0. AP
  • With a population of just 550,000, Cape Verde becomes the smallest African nation to reach the World Cup and the second-least populous team in history to qualify, after Iceland in 2018. AP
    With a population of just 550,000, Cape Verde becomes the smallest African nation to reach the World Cup and the second-least populous team in history to qualify, after Iceland in 2018. AP
  • Cape Verde supporters celebrate at the final whistle. AP
    Cape Verde supporters celebrate at the final whistle. AP
  • In Praia, Cape Verde's capital, supporters danced to the sound of reggae and traditional funana music, waving national flags and singing long into the night. AP
    In Praia, Cape Verde's capital, supporters danced to the sound of reggae and traditional funana music, waving national flags and singing long into the night. AP
  • Cape Verde topped Group D with 23 points, finishing four ahead of Cameroon – Africa’s most experienced World Cup nation with eight appearances – who were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaounde. AFP
    Cape Verde topped Group D with 23 points, finishing four ahead of Cameroon – Africa’s most experienced World Cup nation with eight appearances – who were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Yaounde. AFP
  • Fifa president Gianni Infantino congratulated the nation on their “historic moment,” calling Cape Verde’s achievement “an inspiration that will power a new generation of football lovers.” AFP
    Fifa president Gianni Infantino congratulated the nation on their “historic moment,” calling Cape Verde’s achievement “an inspiration that will power a new generation of football lovers.” AFP
  • Supporters celebrate Cape Verde’s victory against Eswatini at a fan zone in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. AFP
    Supporters celebrate Cape Verde’s victory against Eswatini at a fan zone in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde. AFP