
The Digest:
The tiny island nation of Cape Verde has achieved a monumental football milestone, securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to become the second smallest country by population ever to reach football's global showpiece.
Key Points:
- Cape Verde's population of just over 500,000 makes this qualification historic.
- The island nation secured its spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini.
- They finished atop their qualifying group, ahead of traditional powerhouse Cameroon.
- This marks Cape Verde's first-ever qualification for a FIFA World Cup tournament.
- The achievement places them as the second smallest nation to ever qualify
- Their success demonstrates how determination can overcome demographic limitations
- The victory represents a landmark moment for African football and small nations
Sources: Vanguard News