Cape Verde Stuns World, Marches Into History

Smallest Nation at Mundial Reaches Knockout Stage Unbeaten in Historic Debut
For 13-year-old Lauryn, finding Cape Verde on a world map was once a challenge.

Today, the tiny African island nation has become one of the biggest stories at the FIFA World Cup, making history as the smallest country by population to qualify for the knockout stage.
Cape Verde secured second place in Group H after an unbeaten group campaign, recording draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The remarkable achievement has earned them a Round of 32 clash with Argentina on July 3.
“Seeing our country being showcased across the world at the World Cup makes me incredibly proud,” Lauryn said. “After the first match, everyone was talking about Cape Verde. People saw the talent and skill of our players.”
Known as Cabo Verde among members of its diaspora in the United Kingdom, the island nation is enjoying a dream debut at the World Cup. Made up of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, about 600 kilometres off the coast of mainland Africa, Cape Verde has a population of just over 500,000.
Lauryn, who has already authored Lauryn That’s Me: The Journey of a Powerful African Girl, recalled seeing predictions on social media before Cape Verde’s opening game against Spain.
“There were many posts saying Cape Verde had only a one per cent chance of winning. But after everyone saw our goalkeeper’s performance, everything changed,” she said.
That one per cent prediction has since become a symbol of hope for Cape Verdeans in Britain, where the diaspora numbers only a few thousand.
“Our slogan became: ‘They gave us a one per cent chance, but we had 99 per cent faith,'” Lauryn added.
Cape Verde stunned Spain with a goalless draw before battling Uruguay to an entertaining 2-2 result. Their final Group H fixture against Saudi Arabia in Houston also ended 0-0, sealing qualification for the knockout round behind group leaders Spain.
Lauryn’s 10-year-old brother, Joylen, who plays in Chelsea’s academy, believes the team can continue its impressive run.
“I think we can definitely go very far. People underestimated us, but if we can draw against Spain and Uruguay, imagine what we can do against other teams,” he said.
He added that watching the team’s performances has inspired him to pursue his football dreams even more passionately.
Annabella Lopes of the Cape Verdean Association UK said the team’s success reflects the determination and resilience of Cape Verdeans everywhere.
“The success on the pitch reflects the strength of our people. Being a small country or one that many people don’t know does not mean you cannot achieve great things,” she said.
According to Lopes, the team’s achievement goes beyond football.
“It is not just about winning or losing. The important thing is participating, competing, achieving and making history.”
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the tournament’s breakout stars, with his Instagram following soaring from hundreds of thousands to nearly 10 million within two matches.
Nancy Rodrigues, a 38-year-old NHS physiotherapist living in the UK, said she once treated the goalkeeper while living in Angola.
“He is a really nice person and deserves all the attention he is receiving. It’s amazing because so many people now know Cape Verde through him,” she said.
Elisangela, popularly known as Ely, said the team’s success has united Cape Verdeans across the world.
“We have never experienced anything like this. Everyone is excited, calling one another and sharing this unforgettable moment with family and friends.”
Lauryn and Joylen’s mother, Cristina, hopes the team’s success will encourage global interest in Cape Verde beyond football.
“We are creative people with talents in music, literature, the arts and many other areas,” she said.
She also praised the team’s humility and sportsmanship, highlighting head coach Bubista’s tradition of presenting a gift to the opposing coach before every match.
“That is part of who we are. We compete like warriors on the pitch, but we honour and respect one another. People are seeing humility, unity and genuine passion. It is beautiful.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates with teammates after Cape Verde’s 2-2 draw against Uruguay, a result that helped power the nation’s historic World Cup campaign.