Cape Verde has been one of the successful stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in so many aspects and the team has won so many hearts given their performances on pitch.

On their debut at the grand stage, the Island nation has not grown feet of clay and rubbed shoulders with the World’s best.

In their first game, they frustrated Spain, holding them to a goalless draw and played two further draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to secure a berth into the round of 32 where they face reigning Champions Argentina.

Gelson Fernandes, the FIFA Deputy Director Members Associations, Regional Director Africa, who was born in Cape Verde is proud of the journey the team has had so far. He believes the support that FIFA extends to Member Associations has helped in bringing the gap.

“FIFA’s support has been, and continues to be, essential for Cabo Verde; for its federation and for the broader development of football in the country. The federation is truly a role model, given the difficulties it has faced in the past and the natural challenges of organizing football across an archipelago, from logistics to infrastructure,” he stated.

Fernandes further added that “FIFA works closely with Cabo Verde to find the best solutions: ensuring players have opportunities to compete, that championships can take place, and that knowledge is transferred; whether to referees or to those managing teams at every level.”

Cape Verde has made strategic use of FIFA Forward resources to expand football infrastructure, strengthen competitive structures, and support national team development across the archipelago.

“In total, so far, we are talking about 17 different projects from the construction of artificial pitches in the Santa Cruz municipality on Santiago Island, which have benefited multiple teams in the region and created more opportunities for young people to play, to the renovation of the Adérito Sena Stadium on the island of São Vicente, and continued support for the national teams, including the Under-17s. These are concrete examples of the impact FIFA Forward can have on a federation. Cabo Verde also benefited from FIFA’s Friendlies series, and the national team’s participation in those matches helped raise the level of the team naturally.”

Beyond Cape Verde, Fernandez is also proud of the other African teams for the performance exhibited at the World Cup.

“This World Cup cycle is already historic for so many African nations Cabo Verde, but also DR Congo, South Africa, and others reaching the knockout stages. It is creating lifetime memories for people, and on a personal level, I found it deeply emotional, because these successes reinforce the bond between those born outside their country of origin and the land of their parents. It strengthens that connection and makes it a source of even greater pride it’s beautiful to witness. For me, each time I witness the team playing at this World Cup is a new achievement. I am incredibly proud of everyone who worked alongside us to build this. This qualification brings real happiness, and naturally some pride, because of the work we put in and the impact FIFA has been able to have in a country like Cabo Verde.”

Cape Verde plays against Argentina on Saturday, 4th July 2026 with the winner taking on either Australia or Egypt at the round of 16.

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