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Cape Verde Qualifies for First World Cup After 3–0 Win Over eSwatini

The victory capped a diaspora-built project under coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito that took advantage of Africa’s expanded World Cup berths.

Overview

  • Goals from Dailon Rocha Livramento, Willy Semedo and Stopira in Praia sealed the result on the final day of CAF Group D qualifying.
  • Cape Verde topped the group ahead of Cameroon, which now moves to the CAF runners-up playoffs in Morocco on November 13–16 for a last route to 2026.
  • Authorities declared a national holiday so residents could watch the match, and celebrations filled the Estádio Nacional and streets across the archipelago.
  • Livramento also scored the decisive away winner against Cameroon earlier in the campaign, underscoring the impact of a squad largely assembled from the diaspora.
  • With a population of about half a million, Cape Verde becomes one of the smallest nations ever to reach a World Cup as the expanded 48-team tournament heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico in June–July 2026.