Cape Verde have made it to the 2026 World Cup after winning their final qualifying match.

The African side are the second smallest nation to ever reach the finals with a population of around 600,000.

Only Iceland, who qualified in 2018, are smaller out of the countries who have appeared at the tournament.

Cape Verde secured their spot in the draw with a 3-0 win over Eswatini on Tuesday to top their group.

Goals from Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo and Stopira sent an expectant crowd in Praia wild at the final whistle.

The victory saw the Blue Sharks finish four points clear of nearest challengers Cameroon, who are now set for the play-offs.

It will be the first time Cape Verde have appeared at the finals, having not entered qualifying as an independent nation until the 2002 World Cup

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