Cape Verde one step away from historic World Cup qualification

Today, October 13, Cape Verde’s national team could make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. To achieve this, the Portuguese-speaking island nation only needs to defeat Eswatini, who sit at the bottom of Group D.

Before the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cape Verde leads Cameroon by two points and fully controls its own destiny. A victory would guarantee the team a place at the world’s biggest football tournament.

Another potential debutant from Africa could be Benin, who face Nigeria tomorrow. A draw would be enough for Benin to secure qualification.

So far, Africa will be represented by Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Ghana. Still in contention are Cape Verde, Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Additionally, Africa could earn one more spot: four best second-placed teams will enter a playoff, with the winner advancing to an intercontinental playoff against representatives from Asia, Oceania, and North and South America.

Meanwhile in Europe, France and Switzerland could secure direct qualification for the World Cup today if they defeat Iceland and Slovenia, respectively.

All current participants of the 2026 World Cup:

Asia (6):

• Australia

• Iran

• Japan

• Jordan (debut)

• South Korea

• Uzbekistan (debut)

Africa (5):

• Algeria

• Egypt

• Ghana

• Morocco

• Tunisia

North America (3):

• Canada (co-host)

• Mexico (co-host)

• United States (co-host)

CONMEBOL (6):

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Colombia

• Ecuador

• Paraguay

• Uruguay

Oceania (1):

• New Zealand

 UPDATE: Cape Verde qualifies for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history