By: Alhaji A. Barrie
In a world where football giants dominate headlines, the Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde is quietly scripting one of the most remarkable underdog stories in the sport’s history. With a population of just 593,149, the Blue Sharks are now just one win—or a few favorable results—away from qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
If Cape Verde seals qualification, they will become the second-smallest nation by population to ever reach the World Cup finals, behind only Iceland (404,610), who stunned the world with their debut in Russia 2018. For perspective, Cape Verde’s entire population could fit into a single stadium used in the tournament.
This is not just a footballing achievement—it’s a cultural milestone. The nation, scattered across ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, has long been known for its vibrant music, resilient spirit, and diaspora spread across Europe and the Americas. Now, football is becoming its newest global calling card.
Cape Verde’s campaign has been nothing short of sensational. Their recent 1-0 victory over Cameroon, Africa’s most experienced World Cup team, sent shockwaves across the continent. Dailon Livramento, a 24-year-old striker born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean parents, scored the decisive goal—his third of the qualifiers—cementing his status as a national hero.
With five consecutive wins, Cape Verde sits atop Group D with 19 points, four clear of Cameroon. Their final two matches—against Libya and Eswatini—are all that stand between them and football’s grandest stage.
The victory over Cameroon sparked euphoric scenes in Praia. The Estádio Nacional was packed with over 15,000 fans, and the government even declared a public holiday to allow citizens to attend the match. After the final whistle, the pitch was flooded
with jubilant supporters waving flags, singing, and lighting flares.
“We’ve waited our whole lives for this,” said João Mendes to local television, a lifelong fan waving the national flag outside Estádio Nacional. “Now the world will know who we are.”
This isn’t just about football—it’s about identity, pride, and possibility. Cape Verde has qualified for four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, but the World Cup represents a new frontier.
Just two decades ago, Cape Verde was ranked outside FIFA’s top 150. Today, they’re rewriting history—like a lone wave rising from the Atlantic, crashing into football’s biggest stage with unstoppable force.
Cape Verde’s rise is more than a national triumph—it’s a beacon for other small African nations, especially Sierra Leone. With a population of over 8 million and a proud footballing tradition, the Leone Stars are still chasing their own World Cup dream. Recent victories and a growing pool of diaspora talent show promise, but consistency and strategic investment remain key.
Cape Verde didn’t wait for permission to dream. They built their moment. Sierra Leone can do the same.
In an era of expanded World Cup formats and increased slots for African nations, Cape Verde’s rise is a testament to what’s possible when talent, belief, and opportunity align. Their success could inspire a renaissance across the continent—where even the smallest flags fly high.
Whether they qualify or not, Cape Verde has already won something bigger: belief. And in football, belief is the first step toward immortality.