Cape Verde made history on Monday by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time ever, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Eswatini in the final round of the African qualifiers’ Group D.

After a goalless first half, Cape Verde dominated the second, with goals from Dajlon Livramento (48’), Willy Semedo (55’), and Stopira (90+1’).

The result saw Cape Verde finish top of Group D with 23 points, four ahead of Cameroon, who were held to a goalless draw at home by Angola and will now proceed to the African playoff round.

Cape Verde becomes the 22nd team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, joining Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Ghana as Africa’s representatives, and is the third debutant at the tournament after Jordan and Uzbekistan.