About a month ago, Cape Verde was experiencing a high point in its democratic maturity. We went to the polls, and the result brought a change in government that reaffirms the country as a beacon of stability on the continent.
As the nation prepares for its political transition, with the new National Assembly to be constituted between 18 and 20 June and the new PAICV Government taking office days later, another global stage will already have captured our attention a few days earlier: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament begins on 11 June — the early hours of 12 June in Macao — in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is an unprecedented achievement: Cape Verde is the second-smallest country in the world to reach the greatest competition for national teams. A historic feat that places us among the ten African nations present.
For a country of just over half a million inhabitants, being there is already a victory, enthusiastically celebrated on every island and in those we affectionately call the “islands of the diaspora”, which make us a global nation.
The draw placed the “Blue Sharks” — as our national team is known — in Group H, alongside giants: Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The debut, on 15 June, is against Spain, the reigning European champions — four-time continental champions and once world champions. Then come two-time world champions Uruguay on the 21st, followed by three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia on the 27th. It is a baptism of fire in which the greatness of the Cape Verdean heart will shine brightly.
We want to make history on the greatest stage in world football. As the saying goes, we must keep our feet firmly on the ground. But the soul of the people flies; it knows no limits.
Our vast diaspora — more than twice the size of the resident population — is living this moment with thunderous intensity. Spread across the United States, Africa, Europe, and also China and Macao, this diaspora is our greatest strength: millions of hearts beating as one, believing that we can go beyond the group stage.
Being there, hearing our anthem and seeing our flag is already an immense victory. But ambition does not stop there. We are in 2026, but we are already looking towards 2030 and 2034. This World Cup in the United States, home to our largest emigrant community, will feel like playing at home. The support will be deafening, and pride will be our main tactic in facing the world’s giants.
We have long dreamed of this first match, a first goal and, perhaps, a first epic victory. If we can stand among the best in football, we can also do so in education, technology and the blue economy. Small size is a circumstance, not a destiny. Our destiny is greatness, proving that talent has no geographical borders.
Come on Cape Verde! Come on Blue Sharks! Make us dream.
The world will come to know our morabeza, seasoned with the grit of those who do not fear giants. The dream is blue, and the future is now.
