2026 World Cup: African Country of Just 500,000 Population on Verge of Qualifying
- A small African nation stands on the brink of history, just one win away from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the first time
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, up from the traditional 32
- This marks the first time since 2002 that the tournament will be jointly hosted, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico sharing duties
In the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, countries from every corner of the globe are battling through international breaks in pursuit of qualification.
Beyond the drama of domestic football, excitement is steadily growing ahead of the tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the three host nations.
Source: Getty Images
It promises to be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, an increase of 16 compared to Qatar 2022, per Sky Sports.
While the USA, Canada, and Mexico qualify automatically as hosts, the remaining spots will be filled through fierce campaigns across world football’s six confederations: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), CONCACAF (North/Central America and the Caribbean), AFC (Asia), OFC (Oceania), and CAF (Africa).
The central question is whether reigning champions Argentina can defend their crown, or if a new nation will rise to glory.
Giants like France, Spain, and Portugal are expected to contend, but the spotlight could also shine on a much smaller nation now just one win away from securing a historic place on the world’s biggest stage.
Source: Getty Images
Cape Verde on the Brink of Historic World Cup Qualification
Cape Verde, under the guidance of coach Bubista, is on the verge of making history after moving four points clear at the top of Group D with a stunning 1-0 victory over Cameroon, a side packed with Premier League talent.
Nicknamed The Blue Sharks, Cape Verde struck in the 54th minute when forward Livramento powered through the Cameroonian defence and fired past Manchester United loanee Andre Onana.
Watch the goal shared on X below:
The Indomitable Lions pushed for an equaliser, but they could not break through.
Played at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde, the clash ended with scenes of pure jubilation as ecstatic fans stormed the pitch, waved flags, and lit flares, knowing their nation is now within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup.
The table is below:
With a population of just 524,877, Cape Verde needs only one more win against either Libya or Eswatini, or favourable results elsewhere, to secure qualification for their first-ever World Cup, per the BBC.
Should they succeed, the Atlantic island nation would become the second-smallest country by population ever to reach football’s greatest stage.
This is not the first time Cape Verde has exceeded expectations on the international stage.
The Blue Sharks have qualified for four Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments: 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023, with their best performance coming in the most recent edition, where they advanced beyond the first knockout round.
Source: Getty Images
Their AFCON history includes quarter-final runs in 2013 and 2023, impressive achievements for a nation of fewer than 600,000 people.
Yet, qualifying for the World Cup would represent an even greater milestone, cementing their status as one of the most remarkable underdog stories in global football.
Why FIFA banned European country
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that one nation has now been officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup, despite several suspensions already taking place during the qualifiers.
Throughout the campaign, a number of countries either faced temporary bans or withdrew from the process altogether.
Source: YEN.com.gh
