Heroic Welcome: Cape Verde returns home after historic 2026 World Cup campaign
Cape Verde received a triumphant welcome home after their historic debut World Cup, where the team became the tournament's biggest surprise.
The Cape Verde national team returned home to a hero's welcome following their historic debut at the 2026 World Cup. Despite a narrow extra-time exit at the hands of Argentina in the Round of 32, the 'Blue Sharks' departed the tournament as the competition's breakout stars.
The team's journey was marked by gritty performances against world-class opposition. In the group stage, Bubista's side held Spain to a draw, while their 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan marked the nation's first-ever World Cup win. Kevin Pina also etched his name into history by scoring the country's first-ever goal at the tournament against Uruguay.
Thousands of fans gathered at the Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia to celebrate the squad. The homecoming coincided with the 51st anniversary of Cape Verde's independence. Goalkeeper Vozinha, a standout performer during the campaign, expressed his gratitude: "It is a great moment for us to be here with our people."
Looking ahead, the focus for the 'Blue Sharks' now shifts to the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team has been drawn into Group K alongside Mali, Rwanda, and Liberia, with the first qualifying matches set to begin in September.