The Cape Verde national football team, the "blue sharks" brought massive tourism to the islands by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Cape Verde's tourism which is integral to its economy, shows signs of rapid growth 

Lionel Messi led Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, securing their spot in the Round of 16. Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, while Lisandro Martínez and an own-goal sealed the win after Cape Verde twice rallied to equalize.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare, Reach Last 16

FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi Leads Argentina to 3-2 Win, Reach Last 16

Cape Verde has achieved what many thought impossible. For the first time in its history, the island nation of just over half a million people has qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks' remarkable rise is the result of years of investment in football development, growing participation, and a passion for the sport that stretches across the archipelago. As Cape Verde prepares to take on the world's best, its historic qualification is inspiring a new generation of footballers and putting the nation firmly on the global sporting map.

Cape Verde's World Cup Journey Is Much More Than A Fairytale

Cape Verde, a small island nation with a population under 600,000, is on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — potentially becoming the second smallest country ever to reach the global stage. Their secret? A smart, focused model of developing local talent while strategically recruiting foreign-born players with Cape Verdean roots.

Can India, a nation of 1.4 billion: adopt lessons from Cape Verde’s rise to build a more competitive national football program? We break down Cape Verde’s strategy and explore whether it can be replicated in India’s football ecosystem.

How Cape Verde Built Their Football Empire: Can India Learn?

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive.

A week ago it looked as if the Ivorians were set for a humiliating group-stage exit from their own AFCON, but now they are into the quarter-finals after beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a tie that finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.

The Elephants scraped into the knockout phase with the worst record of the four best third-placed sides to advance, after finishing the first round with a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, their heaviest ever home defeat.

They followed that by sacking veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and trying unsuccessfully to bring in former boss Herve Renard on a short-term deal.

But instead former player Emerse Fae was appointed on an interim basis, hoping to rouse a shell-shocked team for a daunting tie against the holders.

It looked like being a trying evening for Ivory Coast in Yamoussoukro as Senegal went ahead in the fourth minute when Habib Diallo brought down Sadio Mane's cross from the left and finished emphatically.

Mane then escaped with a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ibrahim Sangare soon after, although Senegal also felt hard done by early in the second half.

Ismaila Sarr went down in the box in a tangle of legs with Odilon Kossounou, but no penalty was given and the referee did not come across to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

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<h2>Kessie the hero</h2>

Instead, it was the Ivorians who won a late penalty of their own, a VAR review showing that Nicolas Pepe was chopped down by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Franck Kessie of Saudi club Al Ahli, who was dropped to the bench at kick-off, converted the penalty to force extra time.

With no further scoring, it came down to penalties, and Senegal's Moussa Niakhate was the only player to miss, seeing his effort strike the post.

Kessie then netted the decisive kick to take Ivory Coast through to a last-eight tie against Mali or Burkina Faso in the central city of Bouake on Saturday.

Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso clash in the last 16 in the northern city of Korhogo on Tuesday.

"We are feeling a lot of emotion," Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique.

"The last few days have not been easy but we had to believe in ourselves."

Senegal go out after being the only team to win all three games during the group stage, and their elimination means no reigning champion has made it beyond the first knockout round of a Cup of Nations since Egypt won a third consecutive title in 2010.

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<h2>Mauritania run ended</h2>

Earlier on Monday, Cape Verde won an AFCON knockout tie for the first time in their history as a late Ryan Mendes penalty gave them a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Abidjan.

The tie was drifting towards extra time when Cape Verde won a spot-kick as substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol was brought down in the box by Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse.

Captain Mendes then converted with just two minutes of the 90 remaining to break the resistance of a Mauritania side appearing in the knockout phase for the first time.

Cape Verde advance to a quarter-final on Saturday in Yamoussoukro against either Morocco or South Africa, who meet in the last 16 on Tuesday in San-Pedro.

The tiny Atlantic Ocean island nation had got out of their group in two of their three previous appearances at the AFCON, but had never before won a knockout tie.

"We are proud of everything we have done up to now. We always tried to win the game and we thoroughly deserved the victory," said Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito, who believes his side can go further still in the tournament.

"We have our objective, which from day one has been to get to the semi-finals.

"We are one step away from that now and we are going to keep going, while obviously staying humble and respecting our opponents, but we believe. That is our focus and we are going to try and get there."

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive.

Hosts Ivory Coast stunned Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, knocking out the reigning champions on penalties in the last 16 to keep their hopes of winning the title on home soil alive. A week ago it looked as if the Ivorians were set for a humiliating group-stage exit from their own AFCON, but now they are into the quarter-finals after beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties following a tie that finished 1-1 at the end of extra time. The Elephants scraped into the knockout phase with the worst record of the four best third-placed sides to advance, after finishing the first round with a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, their heaviest ever home defeat. They followed that by sacking veteran French coach Jean-Louis Gasset and trying unsuccessfully to bring in former boss Herve Renard on a short-term deal. But instead former player Emerse Fae was appointed on an interim basis, hoping to rouse a shell-shocked team for a daunting tie against the holders. It looked like being a trying evening for Ivory Coast in Yamoussoukro as Senegal went ahead in the fourth minute when Habib Diallo brought down Sadio Mane's cross from the left and finished emphatically. Mane then escaped with a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ibrahim Sangare soon after, although Senegal also felt hard done by early in the second half. Ismaila Sarr went down in the box in a tangle of legs with Odilon Kossounou, but no penalty was given and the referee did not come across to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. × Kessie the hero Instead, it was the Ivorians who won a late penalty of their own, a VAR review showing that Nicolas Pepe was chopped down by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Franck Kessie of Saudi club Al Ahli, who was dropped to the bench at kick-off, converted the penalty to force extra time. With no further scoring, it came down to penalties, and Senegal's Moussa Niakhate was the only player to miss, seeing his effort strike the post. Kessie then netted the decisive kick to take Ivory Coast through to a last-eight tie against Mali or Burkina Faso in the central city of Bouake on Saturday. Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso clash in the last 16 in the northern city of Korhogo on Tuesday. "We are feeling a lot of emotion," Ivory Coast striker Sebastien Haller told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique. "The last few days have not been easy but we had to believe in ourselves." Senegal go out after being the only team to win all three games during the group stage, and their elimination means no reigning champion has made it beyond the first knockout round of a Cup of Nations since Egypt won a third consecutive title in 2010. ALSO READ | Who is Sourabh Kumar - Uttar Pradesh cricketer who left IAF to pursue his ambitions? Mauritania run ended Earlier on Monday, Cape Verde won an AFCON knockout tie for the first time in their history as a late Ryan Mendes penalty gave them a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Abidjan. The tie was drifting towards extra time when Cape Verde won a spot-kick as substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol was brought down in the box by Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse. Captain Mendes then converted with just two minutes of the 90 remaining to break the resistance of a Mauritania side appearing in the knockout phase for the first time. Cape Verde advance to a quarter-final on Saturday in Yamoussoukro against either Morocco or South Africa, who meet in the last 16 on Tuesday in San-Pedro. The tiny Atlantic Ocean island nation had got out of their group in two of their three previous appearances at the AFCON, but had never before won a knockout tie. "We are proud of everything we have done up to now. We always tried to win the game and we thoroughly deserved the victory," said Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito, who believes his side can go further still in the tournament. "We have our objective, which from day one has been to get to the semi-finals. "We are one step away from that now and we are going to keep going, while obviously staying humble and respecting our opponents, but we believe. That is our focus and we are going to try and get there."

AFCON: Ivory Coast stun AFCON holders Senegal, Cape Verde into quarter-finals

Over 60 migrants are feared to have died, while search is on to trace others after a boat carrying them capsized off Cape Verde.

The boat left Senegal in July "with 101 passengers on board",&nbsp;the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on Tuesday (Aug 16).

While at least 38 people were rescued, more than a dozen migrants are still reported to be missing and presumed dead.

The Cape Verdean authorities were informed of the boat incident after it was spotted by a Spanish fishing vessel about 150 nautical miles (277 km) from the Cape Verdean island of Sal on Monday.

<h2>Victims are all Senegalese&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

A health services official in Sal, Jose Rui Moreira, said that 38 were rescued, of which seven have been hospitalised. The 38 survivors include four children aged 12 to 16.

All the competent services have been activated to assist the survivors, the police said.

"We must open our arms and welcome the living and bury the dead with dignity," said Cape Verdean Health Minister Filomena Goncalves, according to the Inforpress news agency.

The Senegalese ministry, "in conjunction with the competent Cape Verdean authorities, has made the necessary arrangements for (the) repatriation (of Senegalese nationals) as soon as possible", he said.

The Spanish migration advocacy group Walking Borders said the vessel was a large fishing boat.

<h2>Cape Verde, gateway to Europe&nbsp;</h2>

Cape Verde, an Atlantic archipelago located a few hundred kilometres from the West African coast, lies on the maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands —a gateway to the European Union.

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Every year, thousands of Africans undertake this dangerous journey to Europe in the hope of better life.

They often travel in modest boats or motorised canoes supplied by smugglers, who charge a fee for the journey.

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In January, rescue teams in Cape Verde saved about 90 refugees and migrants adrift in a canoe, while two others on board died.

They were from Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Over 60 migrants are feared to have died, while search is on to trace others after a boat carrying them capsized off Cape Verde. The boat left Senegal in July "with 101 passengers on board", the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on Tuesday (Aug 16).

Over 60 migrants are feared to have died, while search is on to trace others after a boat carrying them capsized off Cape Verde. The boat left Senegal in July "with 101 passengers on board", the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on Tuesday (Aug 16). While at least 38 people were rescued, more than a dozen migrants are still reported to be missing and presumed dead. The Cape Verdean authorities were informed of the boat incident after it was spotted by a Spanish fishing vessel about 150 nautical miles (277 km) from the Cape Verdean island of Sal on Monday. Victims are all Senegalese A health services official in Sal, Jose Rui Moreira, said that 38 were rescued, of which seven have been hospitalised. The 38 survivors include four children aged 12 to 16. All the competent services have been activated to assist the survivors, the police said. "We must open our arms and welcome the living and bury the dead with dignity," said Cape Verdean Health Minister Filomena Goncalves, according to the Inforpress news agency. The Senegalese ministry, "in conjunction with the competent Cape Verdean authorities, has made the necessary arrangements for (the) repatriation (of Senegalese nationals) as soon as possible", he said. The Spanish migration advocacy group Walking Borders said the vessel was a large fishing boat. Cape Verde, gateway to Europe Cape Verde, an Atlantic archipelago located a few hundred kilometres from the West African coast, lies on the maritime migration route to the Spanish Canary Islands —a gateway to the European Union. Also read | Satellite images show China building airbase on island in South China Sea Every year, thousands of Africans undertake this dangerous journey to Europe in the hope of better life. They often travel in modest boats or motorised canoes supplied by smugglers, who charge a fee for the journey. Also read | Former Ukrainian captives claim they were brutally tortured by Russia In January, rescue teams in Cape Verde saved about 90 refugees and migrants adrift in a canoe, while two others on board died. They were from Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least 60 feared dead after migrant boat capsizes off Cape Verde

Meet the folks who have made a volcano their friend

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy.

Neither of the two traditional major parties is predicted to emerge the outright winner, giving four smaller parties a chance to have their say over the group of islands off the west coast of Africa.

In the capital Praia, queues of voters began forming early in the day in front of schools serving as polling stations, AFP journalists said.

"The priority for me is to re-elect the government, fight Covid and develop the economy and tourism," said Luis Leit, 44, after voting.

With foreign tourism accounting for roughly a quarter of the economy and visitors unable to come owing to global pandemic restrictions, Cape Verde, with a population of 550,000, was plunged into a historic recession in 2020, when output shrank by 14.8 percent.

Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva nonetheless told reporters: "We are very confident. We hope to have an absolute majority."

But his Movement for Democracy (MpD) is being closely contested by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), a socialist party led by Janira Hopffer Almada.&nbsp;

The 42-year-old lawyer and former youth minister hopes to become the first woman to lead the former Portuguese colony.

A supporter who presented himself as a jurist named Carla told AFP he wanted Almada to fight corruption, even if the country has a good reputation in that area.

After voting, Almada complained, "the state continued campaigning yesterday", (Saturday) after the official end of electioneering on Friday, calling it a "grave violation".

Virus surge despite isolation

Both major parties pledged measures to provide wide access to Covid-19 vaccinations and to diversify the economy.

Although it lies around 600 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases.

With 189 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the country had the highest rate in Africa according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for the period from April 5-11.

Voting began at 0800 GMT and polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 1900 GMT, with just over 392,000 people registered to vote.

In 1990, one-party rule in Cape Verde was swept away and the first multi-party elections were held the following year.

In 2016, the MpD ended the PAICV's 15-year run with a historic victory, gaining 40 of 72 seats in the single-chamber parliament, the National Assembly.

Cape Verde has a semi-parliamentary system in which the prime minister wields executive power while the president plays the part of arbitrator in the event of intractable disputes.

Elections for the presidency take place on October 17.&nbsp;

In a continent marked by political unrest, coups or monolithic rulers who have been in power for decades, the tiny Atlantic archipelago stands out.

It ranks just behind Mauritius as the most democratic country in sub-Saharan Africa in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2020 Democracy Index.

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy.

Cape Verde, a bastion of democracy in Africa, held parliamentary polls Sunday with no clear winner in sight after a campaign dominated by the Covid pandemic and its impact on a tourism-dependent economy. Neither of the two traditional major parties is predicted to emerge the outright winner, giving four smaller parties a chance to have their say over the group of islands off the west coast of Africa. In the capital Praia, queues of voters began forming early in the day in front of schools serving as polling stations, AFP journalists said. "The priority for me is to re-elect the government, fight Covid and develop the economy and tourism," said Luis Leit, 44, after voting. With foreign tourism accounting for roughly a quarter of the economy and visitors unable to come owing to global pandemic restrictions, Cape Verde, with a population of 550,000, was plunged into a historic recession in 2020, when output shrank by 14.8 percent. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva nonetheless told reporters: "We are very confident. We hope to have an absolute majority." But his Movement for Democracy (MpD) is being closely contested by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), a socialist party led by Janira Hopffer Almada. The 42-year-old lawyer and former youth minister hopes to become the first woman to lead the former Portuguese colony. A supporter who presented himself as a jurist named Carla told AFP he wanted Almada to fight corruption, even if the country has a good reputation in that area. After voting, Almada complained, "the state continued campaigning yesterday", (Saturday) after the official end of electioneering on Friday, calling it a "grave violation". Virus surge despite isolation Both major parties pledged measures to provide wide access to Covid-19 vaccinations and to diversify the economy. Although it lies around 600 kilometres (375 miles) off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases. With 189 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the country had the highest rate in Africa according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for the period from April 5-11. Voting began at 0800 GMT and polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 1900 GMT, with just over 392,000 people registered to vote. In 1990, one-party rule in Cape Verde was swept away and the first multi-party elections were held the following year. In 2016, the MpD ended the PAICV's 15-year run with a historic victory, gaining 40 of 72 seats in the single-chamber parliament, the National Assembly. Cape Verde has a semi-parliamentary system in which the prime minister wields executive power while the president plays the part of arbitrator in the event of intractable disputes. Elections for the presidency take place on October 17. In a continent marked by political unrest, coups or monolithic rulers who have been in power for decades, the tiny Atlantic archipelago stands out. It ranks just behind Mauritius as the most democratic country in sub-Saharan Africa in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2020 Democracy Index.

Voters go to the polls in Cape Verde, Africa's model of democracy

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