2025年10月14日凌晨，維德角國家足球隊（República de Cabo Verde）在2026年世界杯非洲區D組最後一輪比賽中，以3-0戰勝史瓦帝尼，成功以小組第一的成績歷史性晉級世界杯正賽。這一成就不僅是維德角足球的里程碑，也使其以僅有4033平方公里的國土面積，成為世界杯歷史上最小的參賽國家，人口約55萬，僅次於2018年冰島，展現出小國也能在世界舞台上創造奇蹟。

維德角隊在非洲區D組的10輪比賽中，取得7勝2平1負的戰績，積23分力壓傳統強隊喀麥隆，以小組頭名直接晉級世界杯。關鍵戰役包括第8輪1-0擊敗喀麥隆，以及最後一輪主場3-0完勝史瓦帝尼，這些勝利確保球隊鎖定出線資格。整個預選賽過程中，維德角展現攻防兼備、戰術紀律嚴明的特點，充分發揮球隊整體實力。

維德角作為非洲西岸的群島國家，人口僅約55萬，國土面積僅4033平方公里。此次晉級是該國自1975年獨立以來在足球領域的最高成就，也讓佛得角成為世界杯歷史上國土最小、人口第二少的參賽國。這一歷史性突破不僅提升國家知名度，也激勵國內年輕一代對足球的熱情和期待。

球隊的成功因素主要在於靈活運用歸化球員與戰術配合。此次世界杯預選賽的27人名單中，有17名球員為歸化球員，彌補了本土球員能力上的不足，增強整體競技水平。此外，維德角與葡萄牙的密切聯繫，使許多球員能在歐洲聯賽效力，從而提升球隊整體實力。球隊的攻防均衡、紀律嚴謹及心理素質出色，都是他們能夠在非洲區預選賽脫穎而出的關鍵。

2026年世界杯將擴軍至48隊，非洲區名額增至9個，維德角抓住這一賽制改革的歷史機遇，成為非洲第6支、全球第22支鎖定參賽名額的球隊，也是本屆世界杯第三支新軍（前兩支為約旦和烏茲別克斯坦）。佛得角的這一突破，對於一個人口僅50餘萬、國土面積僅相當於三分之二個上海的小國而言，意義非凡。球迷為此沸騰，球員甚至掩面流淚，這不僅是一場比賽的勝利，更是整個國家足球歷史的光輝時刻。

In the early hours of October 14, 2025, the Cape Verde national football team (República de Cabo Verde) made history by defeating Eswatini 3-0 in the final round of Group D in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This victory secured Cape Verde’s spot in the World Cup proper as the group winner, marking a milestone in the nation’s football history. With a land area of only 4,033 square kilometers and a population of around 550,000—second only to Iceland in 2018—Cape Verde became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup, proving that even a small nation can achieve extraordinary feats on the world stage.

During the African qualifiers, Cape Verde played ten matches in Group D, achieving seven wins, two draws, and only one loss, accumulating 23 points to surpass traditional powerhouse Cameroon and secure direct qualification as group leaders. Key victories included a 1-0 triumph over Cameroon in the eighth round and a commanding 3-0 home win against Eswatini in the final round, which cemented their qualification. Throughout the qualifiers, the team demonstrated a balanced offense and defense, tactical discipline, and full utilization of overall team strength.

As a small island nation off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde’s population is just 550,000, and its land area is only 4,033 square kilometers. This qualification represents the highest football achievement in the country since gaining independence in 1975 and makes Cape Verde the smallest country and the second-least populous nation ever to compete in the World Cup. The historic breakthrough has not only elevated the country’s international profile but also inspired a new generation of young Cape Verdeans to pursue football with greater passion and ambition.

A major factor in the team’s success was the strategic use of naturalized players combined with cohesive tactics. Of the 27 players on the World Cup qualifying roster, 17 were naturalized, compensating for the limitations of local players and strengthening overall competitiveness. Additionally, close ties with Portugal allowed many Cape Verdean players to gain experience in European leagues, further enhancing the team’s quality. Balanced attack and defense, disciplined tactical execution, and strong mental resilience were all critical to their success in the African qualifiers.

With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and Africa’s allocation increasing to nine slots, Cape Verde seized this historic opportunity. They became the sixth African team and the 22nd team globally to secure qualification and are the third debutant of this tournament, following Jordan and Uzbekistan. For a small nation with just over half a million people and a land area roughly two-thirds the size of Shanghai, this achievement is profoundly significant. Fans erupted in celebration, and players were seen covering their faces in tears—this was not only a victory on the pitch but a shining moment in the entire history of Cape Verdean football.