FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams is framed as a major step toward inclusivity, enabling nations that have never qualified to participate. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will play their first World Cup in North America. Cape Verde’s World Cup debut comes after strong performances in regional competitions, including topping their group at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and reaching the quarterfinals. Cape Verde also qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing ahead of Cameroon in qualifying. The team’s captain, Garry Rodrigues, is highlighted for his role in key victories, and the squad draws on diaspora talent linked to Portuguese colonial ties and Dutch-born players.
"Football's world governing body, FIFA, has framed the 2026 World Cup's expansion from 32 to 48 teams as a watershed moment for inclusivity, opening the door for nations that have never qualified before. Indeed, four teams will be playing at their first World Cup in North America this summer: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan."
"With a population of about 525,000, the small archipelago off the coast of Senegal will become the third-least populous country to participate in a World Cup after Curacao and Iceland. Ryan Mendes is not even a household name in Turkiye, where he plays for second-tier Igdir, but Cape Verde's 35-year-old captain was at the heart of their 3-0 win over Eswatini in October, which booked their place at the World Cup."
"This was no freak occurrence as Cape Verde topped their group at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which included Ghana, reaching the quarterfinals where they lost on penalties to South Africa. Although they failed to reach AFCON 2025, they again topped their group in 2026 World Cup qualifying this time finishing ahead of the once-mighty Cameroon."
"Cape Verde rely heavily on their Portuguese colonial past for a supply of diaspora talent, and also have several Dutch-born"
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