A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde's capital Praia on Monday after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the first time ever for the World Cup.

Amid honking horns and street fireworks, euphoric fans poured out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.

It was "an incredible moment", 37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP not far from the stadium.

"I don't have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally," he said.

Cape Verde, located off the coast of Senegal, is the country with the smallest popul

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