Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, secured a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification by finishing at the top of a highly competitive CAF qualifying group

World Cup Group H includes Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay; matches to take place in Zapopan, Mexico and USA cities Atalanta, Miami and Houston

After many continental level appearances, Cape Verde are ready for their opening act on football’s grandest stage.

Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing at the top of Group D in CAF qualifying, finishing four points ahead of Cameroon. In ten matches, the team won seven with two draws, and recorded a goal difference of +8.

As Cape Verde prepares for its historic first World Cup appearance, young footballers and coaches in Praia dare to dream big despite limited resources.

The wait is almost over ... the 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to begin! ESPN's experts are here with what you need to know at a glance about all 48 teams.

For the first time in history Cape Verde, the tiny volcanic archipelago of just 525,000 people, one of the smallest countries in the world, has qualified for the competition.