Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde by FIFA, are ready to create history in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their inspiring performances in the qualifiers to earn their direct qualification for the upcoming quadrennial international competition.
Cape Verde were in Group D in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification (CAF), as they had tough challenges against Angola, Eswatini, Cameroon, Libya, and Mauritius. With seven wins, two draws, and one loss, Blue Sharks stunned everyone by finishing on top of the points table with 23 points after 10 matches. Second-placed Cameroon, a popular World Cup face, earned 19 points, while Cape Verde, with a population of close to 525,000, have earned the upcoming World Cup qualification.
In the qualifiers, Cape Verde scored 16 goals and conceded eight goals. Their only defeat in the qualifiers was recorded during their third fixture, where Cameroon beat them by 4-1.
Cape Verde's performance in the FIFA WC 2026 Qualification CAF Group D
Cape Verde 0 – 0 Angola
Eswatini 0 – 2 Cape Verde
Cameroon 4 – 1 Cape Verde
Cape Verde 1 – 0 Libya
Cape Verde 1 – 0 Mauritius
Angola 1 – 2 Cape Verde
Mauritius 0 – 2 Cape Verde
Cape Verde 1 – .0 Cameroon
Libya 3 – 3 Cape Verde
Cape Verde 3 – 0 Eswatini
Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Final Status
Matches played: 10
Won: 7
Drawn: 2
Lost: 1
Goals Scored: 16
Goals Conceded: 8
Leading Goal Scorer: Dailon Livramento – 4 goals
Cape Verde FIFA World Cup records
When Cape Verde secured their place for the FIFA World Cup 2026, they became the smallest country by land area [4,033 square kilometres (1,557 sq mi)] and the second least populous country (about 525,000) to ever qualify for the tournament. While Iceland then held the record of the least populous country (about 335,000) to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the North American team Curacao broke both the smallest country by land area [444 square kilometres (171 sq mi)] and the second least populous country (about 156,000) records just five weeks after Cape Verde’s WC 2026 qualification.
Cape Verde group stage schedule in the FIFA World Cup 2026
Cape Verde will begin their historic FIFA World Cup 2026 journey from Group H, where they will face the challenges of Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12:00 local time)
June 21: Uruguay vs Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens (18:00 local time)
June 26: Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium, Houston (19:00 local time)
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