🇨🇻 Cabo Verde's World Cup story.

The story · Round of 32

On its World Cup debut, Cape Verde immediately caused a shock by holding Spain 0-0 despite facing 27 shots. It then drew 2-2 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. With three points and no group-stage defeat, the Blue Sharks finished second in Group H and, according to Reuters, became the smallest country to reach the knockout stage. In the round of 32, they faced the Argentine champions. Cape Verde scored twice, pushed the match beyond 90 minutes and lost only 3-2 after extra time. Its tournament therefore ended without a victory, but with three draws, a single defeat and new international credibility. The run triggered celebrations in Praia and inspired young players in local academies. Reuters visited Bola Pra Frente, where 240 boys and girls trained while looking to the internationals as role models. Goalkeeper Vozinha became such a prominent national figure that a newly identified species of sea slug received a scientific name in his honor.

From the tournament notebook

A species of sea slug was named “Aldisa vozinha” in honor of the Cape Verde goalkeeper.

Sources ↗

Reporting through 2026-07-15