Cape Verde Fans: Many people think Spain will beat us by six or seven goals, but we don't

On June 15, Cape Verde is set to face its first opponent in its FIFA World Cup history, Spain. Ahead of the team's historic first FIFA World Cup match, Cape Verdean fans also spoke to The Athletic.

The story of Cape Verde's national team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time is becoming one of the most emotionally charged narratives leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This team, known as "Os Tubaroes Azuis" (The Blue Sharks), not only represents an island nation with a population of less than 600,000 but also carries the shared emotions of its diaspora spread across the globe. When journalists from The Athletic spoke with several Cape Verdean fans, a recurring word was "tears," but the meaning of these tears is gradually shifting from sadness to an unprecedented joy and pride.

For Cape Verdean fans, the national team has never been just a team, but an extension of their identity. Zito Pina, a fan living in the United States, still gets emotional recalling the day the team historically qualified for the FIFA World Cup. He said he had to return to the capital, Praia, no matter what, because that moment belonged to the entire nation. "I didn't think I would cry, but when the final whistle blew, I really couldn't control my emotions. That feeling was so strong; it connected the whole country. No matter which island you were on in Cape Verde, that day had the same celebrations." This emotion is not an isolated individual experience but a collective outpouring, even transcending geographical boundaries.

Another fan, António Alves, described a similar emotional impact. He was initially just watching the game but witnessed many people crying in the stands, and eventually, he became one of them. "My wife asked me why I was crying, and I said I couldn't control it; there was no calmness at that moment." For him, this emotion was not just the joy of victory but a release accumulated over many years, closely tied to the nation's history.

In fact, the root of this emotion can be traced back to Cape Verde's national situation. This Atlantic archipelago nation, located off the coast of West Africa, has limited natural conditions and scarce resources, gaining independence only over 50 years ago. Zito pointed out that if there isn't enough rainfall, agriculture is severely affected, and this vulnerability has led to a large population migrating overseas for a long time, forming a vast diaspora. Therefore, for many Cape Verdeans, national identity is often dispersed around the world. "We are a resilient people, but we have also experienced many difficulties, which is why this success is so touching," he said.

It is worth noting that the success of Cape Verdean football is inextricably linked to its diaspora system. In recent years, the Football Association has consciously recruited players of Cape Verdean descent from overseas, many of whom were born in Portugal, France, the United States, and other places. In the crucial match for historic FIFA World Cup qualification, half of the starting lineup were not born domestically, including key goal scorer Livramento, and Steven Moreira, who plays in Major League Soccer, and even Pico-Lopes, who was discovered through LinkedIn. This global composition makes the Cape Verdean team a typical "diaspora national team."

This structure has not only changed the team's strength but also the way national identity is perceived. Player Jair Ribeiro believes that this team has given the younger generation a real role model for the first time. "Before, children would say they were Messi or Ronaldo, but now they say they are Ryan Mendes or Garry Rodrigues. This shows that our players have become real idols." In his view, the significance of Cape Verdean football has long transcended the game itself; it is a symbol of "possibility" – proving that a small nation can also have representation on the world stage.

The existence of the diaspora also gives Cape Verde's FIFA World Cup journey special significance. In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all their matches will be held in the United States, which is one of the countries with the largest concentration of Cape Verdean diaspora, with its numbers even approaching the size of the domestic population. António believes this will create a unique home-field atmosphere. "There's no better place for our first FIFA World Cup than the United States. There, you will see a huge Cape Verdean community supporting us."

However, both Cape Verdean players and fans clearly state that they are not content with merely "participating in the FIFA World Cup." The outside world might think that this first-time participant team is just "there for the experience," but the attitude within the team is completely different. Zito stated frankly: "We are not here for sightseeing; we are here to make history." In their group, they will face European champions Spain, as well as strong traditional teams Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. This seemingly tough group has not diminished their confidence.

Ultimately, the impact of this team has far exceeded the scope of sports. It has become a symbol of Cape Verde's national self-confidence and a bond for emotional connection between the diaspora and their homeland. As António said: "When a small country like ours enters the FIFA World Cup, it tells everyone that with effort, nothing is impossible."

The team is also filled with memories and beliefs of challenging strong opponents. For example, they once defeated Portugal 2-0 in a friendly match and also beat Brazil's Olympic team. Because of this, players generally believe that nothing is absolutely impossible in the world of football. Derick Lopes even stated: "If you go to the FIFA World Cup with a tourist mentality, you should stay home. We are there to compete."

This spirit has also deeply infected the younger generation domestically. On the streets of Cape Verde, children's football imagination is changing. In the past, they would imitate Messi or Ronaldo, but now more and more children are starting to imitate the names of national team players. This shift signifies a reconstruction of cultural identity: world-class stars are no longer out of reach but can come from their own country.

Cape Verde's group opponents include European champions Spain, as well as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Derick added: "We once defeated Portugal 2-0 and also beat Brazil's Olympic team. Anything can happen in football. You can't play in the FIFA World Cup like you're going on a trip."

Jair said: "Many people think Spain will beat us by six or seven goals, but we don't think so. We are here to compete."

António concluded: "It means everything. When a country like Cape Verde enters the FIFA World Cup, it gives hope to everyone at home and abroad. With effort, anything is possible. No matter where you come from, or how big or small your country is, if you fight, you can create miracles."

"Although we are small, we can make a sound."