05.07.2026 17:20
Cape Verde National Team, eliminated from the World Cup by Argentina, was greeted by thousands of fans with displays of affection upon their return home.
The Cape Verde Islands National Team, which won the sympathy and appreciation of the entire football world with its magnificent performance in its first-ever World Cup, returned to its country after bidding farewell to the tournament.
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS' MARK ON THE WORLD CUP
The "Blue Sharks," who created the tournament's most colorful story with their courageous struggle on the field against teams with huge budgets, were eliminated from the cup after losing to world giant Argentina in the quarterfinals. However, this farewell created a wave of great pride rather than sadness in the country.
HISTORIC WELCOME IN THE COUNTRY
Life virtually came to a standstill when the plane carrying the Cape Verde Islands National Team, which has a population of 500,000, landed in the capital Praia. Thousands of fans flocked to the airport and streets to welcome the players and technical staff who had captivated the world throughout the tournament. The enthusiastic crowd, gathered hours in advance with national flags and torches, embraced the team.
FOOTBALL WORLD'S NEW DARLING
Despite its limited resources, the Cape Verde Islands, which left its mark on the tournament with its team spirit, discipline, and inexhaustible energy, won the hearts not only of its own citizens but also of all football fans, whether biased or unbiased. World sports authorities emphasized that this success was no coincidence and that the Cape Verde Islands will achieve much greater things on the international stage in the future.