Cape Verde Qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The largest communities of Cape Verdeans in the United States are in New England
For over 100,000 Cape Verdeans in New England, Monday was a special day.
The African island nation qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its first ever trip to the World Cup. With a population of about 525,000, Cape Verde is the second-smallest nation to appear at a World Cup, trailing only Iceland.
Cape Verde defeated Eswatini 3-0 on Monday to clinch the World Cup berth. Dailon Rocha Livramento scored the opener, with his fourth goal of the World Cup Qyalification cycle. Willy Semedo soon after scored a second goal before Stopira put the nail in the coffin during stoppage time with Cape Verde’s third goal.
The squad is made up of largely of Cape Verdeans playing abroad. MLS fans will be familiar with current Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira and former MLS veteran Jamiro Monteiro.
New England soccer clubs also boasts ties to the nation. Paulo Dos Santos and Jair are the only two Cape Verdeans to play for the Revolution. Fellow Cape Verdean Meny Silva made his profeissonal debut with Revs II. Additionally, Portland Hearts of Pine winger Walter Varela is the only Cape Verdean in USL League One.
With Gillette Stadium hosting group stage matches, the dream run for Cape Verdeans in the United States could come right to their backyard. What a sight that would be.