Published On 5/7/2026
Thousands of fans welcomed the Cape Verdean national team, nicknamed the “Blue Sharks,” on Sunday, raising banners at Praia Airport as the team returned after its honorable loss to Argentina 2-3 in one of the most surprising matches of the World Cup.
The Blue Sharks team is preparing for a celebratory procession through the streets of the capital before meeting the president and other members of the government of this small archipelagic country located in West Africa.
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The Cape Verde national team qualified for the knockout rounds in its first participation in the World Cup, bringing joy to the hearts of its fans and gaining international popularity after its results exceeded expectations.
In an epic round of 32 match in Miami, Cape Verde almost eliminated Argentina, but the defending champions snatched a 3-2 win in extra time. The team’s arrival home coincided with Cape Verde’s Independence Day.
“After the heroes who fought for our independence, we now have these heroes, the Blue Sharks,” fan Edmilson Correa, 28, told Agence France-Presse among the airport crowds.
Cape Verdean national team coach Pedro Leitao Brito “Bobista” spoke to the press after his arrival, saying: “We proved that our qualification for the World Cup was not a coincidence. We showed perseverance and determination, and we left the United States with our heads held high.”
The fans, who wore the national team’s blue uniform, were keen to see their stars, such as Sidney Lopez Cabral and goalkeeper Fusenha.
Ivan Gonsalves, 12, said he was looking for Cabral specifically because of his “amazing goal against Argentina.”
Antonio Duarte, Minister of Culture and Sports, praised the Blue Sharks team and their coach for “consolidating Cape Verde’s position as a great country.”
Despite the team’s loss to fellow star Lionel Messi, celebrations began in Praia at dawn on Saturday, where fans celebrated this imaginary journey and the narrow defeat against the world champions.
Cape Verde, a country with a population of only 500,000 people, celebrated on Sunday the 51st anniversary of its independence from Portugal, which ruled the country for 500 years.
