Cape Verde and Senegal have achieved historic milestones by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a proud day for African football.
Cape Verde secured their place in the tournament after an emphatic 3-0 win over Esuatini in Praia. Goals were scored by Dailon Rocha, Willy Semedo and Stopira, sealing a flawless qualifying campaign that left Cameroon out of direct qualification. The achievement places the island nation among the smallest teams to reach the World Cup, with less than 600,000 inhabitants.
For their part, Senegal also qualified with a 4-0 win over Mauritania at the Diamniadio stadium. Sadio Mané scored twice, while Ilimané Ndiaye and Habib Diallo completed the rout. With this victory, the Lions of Teranga finished top of their group, securing their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
Both teams have shown an exceptional level of play during the qualifiers, excelling in their respective groups and leaving an indelible mark on the history of African football.
The qualification of Cape Verde and Senegal for the 2026 World Cup is not only a sporting achievement, but also a symbol of unity and progress for the African continent. These successes inspire future generations and reinforce Africa's presence on the world football stage.
With the qualification of these two nations, Africa is poised for strong representation at the next World Cup, showcasing the talent and passion that characterise the continent's football.
Source: fifa.com; hello-senegal.com; cricketnmore.com