Thousands of fans in Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, welcomed the national soccer team after their impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. The team, known as the "Blue Sharks," drew against Spain and narrowly lost 3-2 in extra time to defending champions Argentina, marking the country as the least populous ever to reach the knockout rounds with a population of around 500,000.

Supporter Renato Ribeiro expressed joy over the team’s achievement, noting that despite being given only a 1% chance, the team exceeded expectations. This inspiring performance is already influencing young players at Praia's Bola Pra Frente Academy, founded in 2010 and recognized as a leading national development center.

Twelve-year-old César Alexandre França, training at the academy since age six, said, "I want to get to the top where football can take me." Nine-year-old Marcelo Pereira Valera, who has trained there for three years, also dreams of joining the national team, stating, "I want to do great things with football."

Mario Semedo, president of the national football federation, highlighted that Bola Pra Frente is one of over 20 football academies in Praia, with others spread across Cape Verde’s 10 volcanic islands. He added, "Every time a child from Cape Verde leaves for Portugal at 13 or 15 years old, it is an advantage for us."

The national federation believes these investments in youth development have played a major role in the national team’s progress, signaling a promising future for Cape Verdean football.

Sources