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After witnessing Germany score seven goals against Curacao—one of the four debutant nations in this expanded World Cup—there were understandable concerns for another first-time participant gearing up for an equally challenging test.

At least on paper, it looked just as daunting. Yet, Cape Verde opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a historic goalless draw against 2010 champions and reigning European titleholders Spain. The result not only shocked many but also earned the Blue Sharks their first-ever World Cup point in their debut appearance.

The 0-0 stalemate at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will remain a defining moment in Cape Verdean football history. But how exactly did they manage to qualify for their maiden World Cup?

Cape Verde, an island nation located off the western coast of Africa, competes under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) alongside other continental and island nations.

The Blue Sharks had been striving to reach the World Cup since 2002. It finally materialised on their seventh attempt, earning them a well-deserved place in Group H for the 2026 edition.

CAF offered two qualification pathways. Nine teams secured direct qualification as group winners from the first round, which featured nine groups of six teams each. The four best runners-up advanced to play-offs for a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs, from which DR Congo eventually progressed.

Cape Verde emerged as winners of Group D, finishing four points clear of Cameroon after claiming seven victories in ten matches.

Cameroon were the only side to defeat Cape Verde, who recorded double wins over Eswatini and Mauritius during their campaign.

Dailon Livramento, who featured against Spain in Atlanta at the World Cup, played a crucial role in qualification. His goals proved decisive in two critical fixtures—a 2-1 away triumph in Angola and a 1-0 home victory against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Head coach Bubista, a former Blue Sharks defender and a proud Cape Verdean, guided his nation to their first-ever World Cup berth. The 56-year-old achieved this milestone when his team convincingly defeated Eswatini in their final qualifier.

November 16, 2023: Cape Verde 0-0 Angola

November 23, 2023: Eswatini 0-2 Cape Verde

June 8, 2024: Cameroon 4-1 Cape Verde

June 11, 2024: Cape Verde 1-0 Libya

March 20, 2025: Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritius

March 25, 2025: Angola 1-2 Cape Verde

September 4, 2025: Mauritius 0-2 Cape Verde

September 9, 2025: Cape Verde 1-0 Cameroon

October 8, 2025: Libya 3-3 Cape Verde

October 13, 2025: Cape Verde 3-0 Eswatini

Like Cape Verde and Curacao, Uzbekistan and Jordan are also making their World Cup debuts in 2026.

If either of those nations can come close to replicating Cape Verde’s achievement when facing Portugal and Argentina respectively, their performances would stand alongside the Blue Sharks’ remarkable showing in Georgia as one of the tournament’s great stories.

Where does Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw rank among the World Cup’s greatest surprises? Share your thoughts below...