Cape Verde may have been the World Cup’s second-smallest nation, but they certainly made a big impact on the 2026 tournament.
News
Forget Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane – it is the tournament debutants who have become the centre of attention.
There were the heroics of goalkeeper Vozinha as they earned their first World Cup point against Spain.
There were the thrills as they scored their first World Cup goals against Uruguay.
Details
And there was Sidny Lopes Cabral’s wonder goal as they almost caused the competition’s biggest shock against Argentina.
Cape Verde’s World Cup journey had it all.
When the whistle blew to bring extra time to an end in Miami on Friday night, the Blue Sharks players slumped to the turf after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by reigning champions Argentina in the last 32 – but they can leave the United States knowing they have won many hearts.
Analysis
“Cape Verde have lost, but they’ve won,” said former Scotland international James McFadden on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“They have shown courage, togetherness, unity and unwavering belief in what they are and what they can do.
“The story of this tournament is Cape Verde. That is what you want to see in a football side.”
Stay informed with the latest news on Wararka.so — your trusted source for Somalia and world news.
