The recent qualification of Cape Verde for the World Cup marks a significant milestone for this tiny island nation. After defeating Eswatini 3-0, Cape Verde secured its place in the tournament, set to take place in 2026.
Overview of Cape Verde’s Achievement
Cape Verde, located off the coast of West Africa, has a population of approximately 525,000. This makes it the second smallest nation ever to qualify for the men’s World Cup, following Iceland, which qualified in 2018.
Historical Context
The qualification journey was impressive. Cape Verde finished first in its African qualifying group, outperforming other strong teams like Cameroon. This achievement highlights the country’s growing presence in international soccer.
Comparison with Other Tiny Nations in World Cup History
Throughout World Cup history, several small nations have competed. Here’s a look at some of the tiniest countries to have participated:
- Iceland: With a population of just over 350,000, Iceland became the smallest nation to reach the World Cup in Russia 2018. They had a memorable run in 2016, eliminating England in the European Championship.
- Cape Verde: As mentioned, Cape Verde has about 525,000 inhabitants and will represent Africa in the 2026 World Cup.
- Paraguay: This South American country had a population of nearly 1 million during its first World Cup appearance in 1930. Paraguay is set to compete again in 2026, marking its ninth appearance.
- Trinidad and Tobago: With a population of 1.3 million, they qualified for their only World Cup in 2006. Trinidad and Tobago drew with Sweden but did not advance past the group stage.
- Northern Ireland: This nation had about 1.4 million residents when it reached the 1958 World Cup. Northern Ireland also competed in 1982 and 1986.
Conclusion
Cape Verde’s historic qualification for the World Cup illustrates its rapid ascent in international soccer. As one of the smallest nations in World Cup history, it stands among other notable teams. With the tournament approaching, anticipation builds for Cape Verde’s performance on the global stage.
