Cape Verde Islands

Cape Verde, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, are a CAF member making their historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the smallest nation by land area to qualify — having established themselves as a regular AFCON presence since 2013 under coach Bubista.

Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and played their inaugural international in April 1978, losing to Guinea. The Cape Verdean Football Federation was formally established in 1982, with FIFA membership following in 1986. For much of their early history, the Blue Sharks relied heavily on diaspora players based in Portugal and other European leagues, gradually building a competitive squad.

A watershed moment arrived in 2013 when Cape Verde qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, immediately reaching the quarter-finals and stunning the continent. The team maintained that momentum with appearances in the 2015, 2021, and 2023 AFCON editions, reaching the quarter-finals again in 2023. Record cap-holder and captain Ryan Mendes has been the figurehead of their rise over more than 15 years.

In October 2025, Cape Verde achieved the most significant result in their football history: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation by land area and the second least-populated country ever to reach the tournament. Playing in Group H alongside established nations, the Blue Sharks arrive in North America as one of the competition's most fascinating debutants.