Thanks to squad-building policies and coaching stability, Cape Verde is undefeated and has advanced past the group stage in their first-ever World Cup finals appearance. - VnExpress

Cape Verde World Cup 2026 success secrets

Squad building policy, coach stability keep Cape Verde unbeaten. Team pass group stage in World Cup debut.

World Cup 2026 show many surprises. Cape Verde journey bring most emotion. First time at biggest football tournament, island nation of 525,000 people become smallest population in history to reach knock-out stage.

Three draws against Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia put Cape Verde second in Group H, behind Spain. Team reach round of 16 to face champions Argentina. Result come from long-term strategy.

Cape Verde players celebrate round of 16 spot after 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in final Group H match, Houston, Texas, USA, June 26. Photo: AP

Cape Verde players celebrate round of 16 spot after 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in final Group H match, Houston, Texas, USA, June 26. Photo: AP

Right after 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde players not celebrate yet. They crowd around phone on pitch to watch final minutes of Spain vs Uruguay. Final whistle blow, confirm Uruguay out and Cape Verde through. Team celebrate. Many cry on pitch and stands at historic moment.

Against European champions Spain, Cape Verde defend strong for scoreless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, become hero with 7 saves. Cape Verde then draw Uruguay 2-2, end group stage with Saudi Arabia draw to meet goal.

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata say Cape Verde keep form well through three matches against top teams. Draws with Spain and Uruguay show real quality.

First key to success is squad development policy. Cape Verde FA spend years recruit diaspora players. Migration last century create large Cape Verdean communities in Portugal, Netherlands, especially Rotterdam.

Of 26 World Cup squad players, 14 born outside Cape Verde, 6 in Rotterdam. Forward Dailon Livramento, play in Portuguese league last season, score winner against Cameroon in qualifiers to secure first World Cup spot.

Goalkeeper Vozinha (right) and forward Dailon Livramento celebrate round of 16 spot after 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in final Group H match, Houston, June 26. Photo: AP

Goalkeeper Vozinha (right) and forward Dailon Livramento celebrate round of 16 spot after 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in final Group H match, Houston, June 26. Photo: AP

Diaspora player strategy part of long-term plan. Cape Verde MP Josina Freitas Fortes say results come from years of consistent work, belief, dedication.

Defender Roberto Lopes prime example. Dublin-born player contacted by FA via professional network LinkedIn in 2019 before become key player. Former Man Utd player Bebe also play for Cape Verde after Portugal youth teams.

Roberto Lopes say team always believe they can compete with top nations. Belief built over years of plan to put Cape Verde on same level as football powers.

Coach stability also key. Coach Bubista lead team since early 2020, former national player. Six years of work help him build organized, disciplined squad that understand play philosophy.

Cape Verde build tight defense, technical midfield, fast attackers for counter-attacks. They beat Ghana, draw Egypt to reach 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals, set foundation for World Cup success.

Kevin Pina (left) dribble past Mohamed Kanno in Cape Verde 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, final Group H match, Houston, June 26. Photo: AP

Kevin Pina (left) dribble past Mohamed Kanno in Cape Verde 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, final Group H match, Houston, June 26. Photo: AP

Against Spain, Cape Verde committed only one foul during match, lowest stat for team at World Cup since 1966. Number shows ability to keep shape and defend with brain instead of tactical fouls.

Defender Sidny Lopes Cabral said team trained for all situations on pitch. Defense style is Cape Verde identity, not plan for specific opponent.

In match against Uruguay, Bubista changed approach to be more open. Cape Verde ready to attack high but kept fight spirit to draw in second half. After match, coach, 56, said most important thing was team showed identity, unity, and never-give-up spirit.

Success got Bubista named African Coach of Year 2025. But to him, World Cup 2026 run not surprise. Before 2021 Africa Cup, Bubista said Cape Verde would play in World Cup one day. Prediction now real, and went further.

Next opponent in round of 16 is Argentina, defending champions with star Lionel Messi. In theory, biggest test African team ever faced. But Bubista stays positive. He said goal from start was to show country to world. Playing Argentina in knockouts is reward.

Midfielder Deroy Duarte, best player against Saudi Arabia, believes team has hope. He said team will enjoy historic moment, then focus on Argentina. Football always has room for impossible.

Many major news outlets in Europe and US see title candidate Spain held to draw by newcomer Cape Verde as biggest surprise at World Cup 2026. 67