Cape Verde have been the proverbial feel-good story of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
Initially viewed as a no-hoper after qualifying for the tournament for the very first time, the island nation off the west coast of Africa with a population of around 500,000 has a genuine opportunity to reach the knockouts.
Yesterday’s 2-2 draw with two-time champions Uruguay was of an entirely different character to the display of infectious defiance and backs-to-the-wall defending against reigning European champions Spain six days earlier.
Rather than putting up their guard, they punched their way out of one difficult corner after another. Two goals of real quality from Kevin Pina and Helio Varela, though admittedly abetted by Uruguay blunders in both instances, were no more than Cape Verde deserved for a brave, flair-filled performance.
Now, going into their final group stage match against Saudi Arabia, Bubista’s side have a real chance of reaching the round of 32, either as one of the 16 best 3rd-place teams or, in a turn of events which would have been considered fantastical by most heading into the tournament, in one of the automatic spots.
It’s not just pride, prestige and a place in World Cup history on the line, either. FIFA will pay out $11m to every team that reaches the last 32.
To place into context the scale of that would-be achievement, $11m is roughly 0.3 per cent of Cape Verde’s GDP. That might not sound particularly high but if the United States achieved the same uplift, it would be worth more than $100bn to them.
Prize money is paid out to member associations, who are then allowed to distribute it as they see fit.
The former Portuguese colony is reaping the wider economic benefits of their moment on the world stage, too.
Speaking to NPR last Saturday before the draw against Uruguay, Cape Verde’s president, Jose Maria Neves, said: “The presence of Cabo Verde in this World Cup is not only in terms of football. It opens other avenues for the country, for investments in the country.
“The idea is to attract people, investors to come and see the opportunities, the existing possibilities and take the advantage of them.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
