It was a historic day for Cabo Verde, as the Blue Sharks clinched their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking one of the greatest moments in the nation’s sporting history.

Bubista’s side defeated Eswatini to secure an automatic ticket to North America, finishing four points clear of Cameroon, who were held to a draw by Angola. The result sparked jubilant celebrations across the archipelago, as Cabo Verde joined Africa’s growing list of World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Tunisia capped off an outstanding qualifying campaign, confirming their place among Africa’s elite. Under coach Sami Trabelsi, the Carthage Eagles finished with the best record in African qualifying — dropping only two points and remarkably completing their campaign without conceding a single goal, thanks in large part to the superb performances of goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.

Elsewhere, there was joy for São Tomé and Príncipe, who claimed their first World Cup qualifying victory in a decade, a morale-boosting result that highlighted their steady footballing progress.

The final round also saw Equatorial Guinea draw with Liberia, Mauritius hold Libya, and South Sudan share points with Togo, as the continent wrapped up another dramatic phase of qualifiers.

For Cabo Verde, qualification represents more than a sporting triumph — it is a national milestone that unites the island nation and underscores Africa’s growing depth of footballing talent.

^{Story Credit: FIFA / CAF Media}