Cape Verde’s national soccer team, known as the Blue Sharks, returned to the capital city Praia on Sunday, July 5, 2026, to a hero’s welcome as thousands of fans cheered their historic World Cup run.

The team made history by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup and advanced to the round of 32. In a surprising and commendable performance, Cape Verde remained undefeated until a narrow 3-2 loss to Argentina in extra time. They also secured draws against European champions Spain and Uruguay.

Fan Nivaldo Santos, present in Praia to support the team, expressed his joy: "I am very happy. This is a unique fact for us, it is a great opportunity that we can take advantage of right now."

Cape Verde, a small African nation with a population of around half a million, is among the least populous countries to have ever qualified for the World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the nation and African football.

Sources