Historic achievement: Cape Verde celebrates first-ever World Cup knockout stage spot
Cape Verde has reached the World Cup round of 32 for the first time in their history after securing three draws in the group stage.
Fans in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, have taken to the streets to celebrate their national team's historic qualification for the World Cup round of 32. This marks the country's first-ever appearance at the tournament, and they have successfully navigated the group stage on their debut.
As the smallest nation to ever compete in a World Cup, Cape Verde defied expectations by drawing all three of their group H matches. They finished second in the group with three points, sitting behind Spain and ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, securing their place in the knockout phase.
The journey began with a resilient goalless draw against Spain, where goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a standout performance that gained global recognition. His social media following surged exponentially following the match, reflecting the team's growing international profile.
Local outlets, including A Nação and Espresso das Ilhas, have hailed the achievement as a historic milestone for the country. The team, known as the Blue Sharks, now faces the daunting task of preparing for their round of 32 match against defending champions Argentina.