Cape Verde Close to Historic World Cup Debut After Stunned Victory Over Cameroon

Cape Verde moved a step closer to making history on Tuesday after defeating African football powerhouse Cameroon 1-0 in Praia, a result that keeps them on course for a maiden FIFA World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks, representing a population of fewer than 550,000 people, now sit top of Group D in the African qualifiers for the 2026 tournament, needing just three points from their final two fixtures away to Libya and at home to Eswatini in October to seal automatic qualification.

The hero of the night was Italy-based forward Dailon Livramento, who struck in the 54th minute to hand Cape Verde a famous win. Born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean parents, the 24-year-old has been central to his nation’s remarkable qualifying campaign, with Tuesday’s goal adding to the brace he scored in March’s upset victory over Angola.

The victory carried extra significance, coming less than a year after Cameroon thrashed Cape Verde 4-1 in Yaoundé. For the Blue Sharks, it was both redemption and confirmation of their growing stature in African football.

With the win, Cape Verde moved to 19 points, four clear of second-placed Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions who have appeared at the World Cup eight times, more than any other African team are now under pressure.

They must win their remaining matches, away to Mauritius and at home to Angola, to keep alive hopes of qualifying through the runners-up route.

But the path is far from straightforward.

The defeat leaves Cameroon fifth among the nine second-placed teams, and only the top four will advance to a playoff mini-tournament. The winner of that competition will move on to the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, where two World Cup spots will be up for grabs.

For Cape Verde, however, the dream is within touching distance. The Blue Sharks have enjoyed steady progress on the continental stage, highlighted by reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in 2013 and 2024. Yet qualifying for the World Cup would mark their greatest achievement, giving the small island nation its first chance to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Celebrations erupted across Praia and other parts of the archipelago following the final whistle, as fans dared to believe that the once-unthinkable Cape Verde at the World cup.