Country profile
Cape Verde
Republic of Cabo Verde
Key facts
Capital
Praia
Population
590,000
Confederation
CAF
FIFA code
CPV
Overview
Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago of ten islands scattered across the Atlantic some 600km off the West African coast. A former Portuguese colony that gained independence in 1975, it blends African, Portuguese and Creole influences into a vibrant, sun-drenched island identity.
With a population of barely half a million at home — and an even larger diaspora spread across Europe and the Americas — Cape Verde is defined by its global community. That diaspora has become the lifeblood of its football, supplying a steady stream of talent raised in the academies of Lisbon, Rotterdam and beyond.
Known for the soulful melancholy of morna music and the legendary voice of Cesária Évora, Cape Verde now adds football glory to its cultural exports.
Football culture
Football is a unifying passion across the islands, played on dusty pitches and beaches from Santiago to São Vicente. The national team's rise has sparked euphoric celebrations and a powerful sense of pride among a small but fiercely loyal population.
World Cup history
Cape Verde had never qualified for a World Cup before 2026, making their debut a landmark achievement for the nation. Their previous best moments came at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2023. Qualification represents the crowning glory of a remarkable generational ascent.
Location
Did you know
- One of the smallest nations by population ever to reach a World Cup.
- The islands were uninhabited until Portuguese settlers arrived in the 15th century.
- Legendary singer Cesária Évora put Cape Verdean music on the world map.
- The diaspora outnumbers the population living on the islands themselves.
- Nicknamed the 'Blue Sharks' after the waters surrounding the archipelago.
From Wikipedia
Cape Verde, also referred in English by its Portuguese name Cabo Verde, and known officially as the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelagic country in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. It consists of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometres (1,557 sq mi).…
Source: Wikipedia →