Cape Verde, a nation of just 590,000 people, pulled off a remarkable feat by defeating African powerhouse Cameroon 1-0 in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
This crucial win lifted their record to 6 wins, one draw, and one loss, putting them on the brink of making history by creating their own World Cup miracle.
The African qualifiers have now advanced to the 8th round, and Cape Verde sits proudly at the top of Group D with 19 points. They currently hold a four-point lead over Cameroon, one of the continent’s traditional football giants.
Cape Verde Takes a Crucial Step Toward Qualification
In this key showdown, Cape Verde’s victory over Cameroon significantly boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. With only two matches remaining, their upcoming opponents, Libya and Eswatini, are considered less formidable, providing Cape Verde with a favourable path toward making history.
Cameroon, ranked 51st in the world, boasts a star-studded lineup featuring well-known names such as Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and goalkeeper André Onana.
The starting eleven for Cameroon has an estimated market value of €190 million, which is an astonishing 21 times greater than Cape Verde’s squad, currently ranked 73rd in the FIFA rankings.
Despite their dominance in possession, holding 63% of the ball, Cameroon struggled to make an impact. They managed nine shots throughout the game but failed to register a single effort on target.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, seized their opportunity in the 54th minute. A swift counterattack ended with Tavares Livramento calmly finishing to secure the decisive goal.
On the Verge of Becoming the Second Smallest Nation to Qualify
This vital victory places Cape Verde just one step away from qualifying for the World Cup finals for the very first time in its history. Should they succeed, they would become the second smallest nation by population ever to appear on football’s biggest stage.
The current record belongs to Iceland, which, with a population of approximately 350,000, qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Now, Cape Verde stands ready to write its own chapter in the annals of underdog football stories.
Egypt Misses Chance to Seal Early Qualification
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Egypt, led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, was held to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso, missing the opportunity to secure early qualification.
Nevertheless, the Pharaohs remain in a strong position, leading Group A by five points, and their progress to the finals is a matter of time.
In other results, Senegal reclaimed the top spot in Group B after edging past the Democratic Republic of Congo with a 3-2 victory.
Meanwhile, Group C leaders South Africa and Group F frontrunners Ivory Coast were both held to draws, losing the chance to further extend their advantage.
