Cape Verde on the brink of a historic event: first time qualifying for the World Cup 2026.

Cape Verde on the path to the World Cup

According to The Sun: The national team of Cape Verde has come close to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in its history.

Today, the Blue Sharks have effectively secured their place in the prestigious tournament.

AP

Cape Verde scored two late goals, allowing them to equalize with Libya and keep their qualification hopes alive.

Look at this INCREDIBLE MISTAKE by the Libyan goalkeeper. He gifted the discount and the 3-2 salvation to Cape Verde. Now they equalized 3-3. UNBELIEVABLE EVERYTHING.pic.twitter.com/F9lQdJjRp3

— Nahuel Lanzón (@nahuelzn) October 8, 2025

Drama on the field

After Cape Verde was losing 3-1 at the 11 June Stadium, the team made an impressive comeback, leveling the score in the match against Libya.

The Libyan goalkeeper, Murad Al-Wuheishi, made a fatal mistake that brought Cape Verde back into the game about 15 minutes before the final whistle.

Sidney Cabral made a long pass forward that slipped between the legs of the 28-year-old goalkeeper and rolled into the net.

Willy Semedo equalized from close range, capitalizing on a failed clearance attempt by the Libyan defense.

This result left Cape Verde at the top of Group D in the World Cup qualifiers in Africa with 20 points after nine matches.

Meanwhile, Libya sits third with 15 points.

Next chance

A victory on Wednesday would secure Cape Verde's qualification for the World Cup. However, they have a second chance to qualify in a match against Eswatini next Monday.

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If they succeed, Cape Verde will become the second smallest country to participate in this tournament.

This country, located in the central Atlantic, has a population of approximately 525,000.

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In recent years, Cape Verde has become a popular holiday destination for British tourists, with thousands visiting these beautiful islands every year.

Currently, Iceland remains the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup group stage.