Thousands welcome Cape Verde's Blue Sharks home after debut World Cup run
Tens of thousands of fans packed Praia's airport on Sunday to greet Cape Verde's national football team, back from a debut World Cup that saw the tiny island nation hold Spain and push Argentina to extra time.
Tens of thousands of supporters transformed the grounds of Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia into a carnival of drums, dance and national flags on Sunday as Cape Verde's football team returned from the 2026 World Cup. The Blue Sharks, making their first ever appearance at the tournament, were eliminated in the round of 16 by Argentina but not before a campaign that captured global attention.
A debut to remember
Cape Verde entered the tournament ranked 67th in the world and as the second-smallest nation at the finals. They went unbeaten in Group H, holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw, then drawing 2-2 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia. That set up a last-16 meeting with defending champions Argentina in Miami. The Blue Sharks fell behind to a Lionel Messi goal, equalised, then went behind again before Sidny Lopes Cabral's equaliser forced extra time at 2-2. A deflected Cristian Romero header eventually gave Argentina a 3-2 victory, ending Cape Verde's run just 10 minutes from a penalty shootout.
- Drew 0-0
- Drew 2-2
- Drew 0-0
- Lost 2-3 after extra time
Emotional homecoming on Independence Day
The team's return on 5 July coincided with the 51st anniversary of Cape Verde's independence from Portugal. Manager Pedro Leitão Brito, known as Bubista, said the timing carried special weight.
Goalkeeper and captain Vozinha, who drew global praise for his performances, addressed the crowd:The arrival coincides with the July 5 holiday and that has a special meaning. We are in a free country.
It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people. We wanted something bigger but we didn't go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people.
Bubista reflected on the team's achievement.
We showed that we may be a small country but we can play against the best teams in the world. That's a reason for pride. We made history for our country.
Government proposes 'Blue Sharks Day'
Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho announced on Saturday a proposal to create an official "Blue Sharks Day" on 3 July, the date of the Argentina match.
The government said the day would honour values of unity and resilience, inspiring present and future generations.Our team represented the soul of a people that never gives up, that believes and transforms difficulties into strength. That is why I defend the creation of the Day of the Blue Sharks, an official date to celebrate this example of unity, national pride and overcoming.
A nation united
Across Praia, celebrations had been underway for days. Even after the final whistle against Argentina, fans filled Largo de Quebra Canela with pride. At the airport, supporters screamed the names of Vozinha, centre-back Pico Lopes and other stars, while players signed jerseys. One fan told the BBC she came to show gratitude for a team that "held their own against giants". The Blue Sharks' journey, from debutants to the brink of a quarter-final, has already begun a new chapter in Cape Verdean football.
