Cabo Verde celebrates historic World Cup debut with draw against Spain

Cabo Verde made footballing history on June 15, 2026, when the island nation's national team, known as the 'Blue Sharks,' played their first-ever FIFA World Cup match against Spain in the North and Central American tournament. Despite intense pressure throughout the game, the team held firm and secured a 0-0 draw, earning their first World Cup point in the process. The result was met with jubilant celebrations across the capital of Praia, where thousands of supporters gathered at public viewing venues dressed in the team's distinctive blue colors.

The match saw Spain dominate possession, firing 27 shots on goal, but Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Bojinha, the team's oldest player at 40 years old, and his defensive teammates kept a clean sheet. As the final whistle sounded, supporters erupted in celebration, dancing through the streets and displaying the same festive energy as major carnival celebrations. For many fans, the draw held profound significance—comparable to a victory given the disparity in strength between the two nations.

The event underscored the deep cultural connection between football and the people of Cabo Verde. Supporters expressed the historic importance of the moment, with one fan describing it as "a historic day since independence." The celebrations extended beyond the match itself, with supporters parading through city streets to the rhythm of traditional drums throughout the evening. The occasion represented far more than sport for the island nation; it symbolized national pride, unity, and the fulfillment of a long-held dream to compete on football's grandest stage.