Cape Verde wrote one of the most exciting pages in its football history by beating Cameroon 1-0 in Praia, in the eighth round of Group D of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The result not only keeps it at the top of its group, but also leaves it one step away from qualifying for its first World Cup. history.

The goal that sparked the madness came in the 54th minute. Hellas Verona striker Dailon Rocha Livramento delivered a classy finish in a one-on-one against Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana. With that goal, the islanders added three vital points that separate them by five points from second-place Cameroon, with only two matches left to play in October.

The magnitude of the achievement was such that, at the end of the match, thousands of fans stormed the pitch at the National Stadium to celebrate with their players. For a country with less than half a million inhabitants, being so close to the World Cup represents much more than a sporting success: it is a source of national pride.

How the qualification stands in Africa

The victory places Cape Verde at the top of Group D with 19 points and a difference of +5, while Cameroon follows with 15 points and +10 in goal average. Although Cameroon has a better goal difference, their points advantage keeps the Cape Verdeans in control of their destiny.

According to the format, only the top teams in each of the eight groups earn direct qualification to the World Cup. They will be joined by a ninth-placed team from the continental play-offs, in which the four best runners-up will compete for a spot in the FIFA international play-offs.

So far, Morocco and Tunisia have already secured their places at the showpiece event, leaving six direct spots still available for the African continent.