"Cape Verde secured their spot by winning Group D in Africa, beating Cameroon to top spot. The decisive win came on Oct. 13 when Cape Verde overcame Eswatini 3-0 on home soil, sparking wild celebrations in the capital Praia."
"On the day of the Eswatini game I was trying to conserve energy, but my stomach was dancing with nerves. I was supposed to have a pre-game nap but then one of the other players got out the speakers and started playing music."
"Music, and food, have been a big part of bonding the Cape Verde team, emphasizing the cultural aspects that contribute to their unity and spirit as they prepare for the World Cup."
Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, marking their debut in the tournament. Cape Verde, with a population of 525,000, secured their spot by winning Group D in Africa. Their decisive victory over Eswatini sparked celebrations in Praia. Players emphasized the importance of music and food in their team bonding. The excitement surrounding these debutants highlights the growing diversity in World Cup participation and the dreams of nations striving for recognition on the global stage.
Read at ESPN.com
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