Cape Verde-How can a second largest nation ever qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Tiny Cape Verde Islands will have to wait another five days before they get one last chance to secure a first-ever World Cup spot after drawing away 3-3 in a thrilling encounter in Libya on Wednesday.

Where does Cape Verde stand and how can it qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

• Cape Verde needed three points from its final two Group D matches to become the second smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup.

• However, the draw in Tripoli means that they have to win at home against Eswatini on Monday.

• Cape Verde went to 20 points, two ahead of Cameroon, who fought to win 2-0 in Mauritius at the same time.

What is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup?

Iceland became the smallest nation by population ever to achieve a FIFA World Cup berth when it qualified for the 2018 tournament on October 9, 2017

Published on October 8, 2025