The tiny Cape Verde Islands will have to wait five more days before getting a last chance to secure a first-ever World Cup spot after it drew 3-3 away 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 last two Group D matches to become the second smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup.
- However, the draw in Tripoli means it has to win at home to Eswatini on Monday.
- Cape Verde moved onto 20 points, two ahead of Cameroon, which battled to win 2-0 away in Mauritius at the same time.
Which is the smallest nation ever to qualify for FIFA World Cup?
Iceland became the smallest nation by population ever to clinch a FIFA World Cup berth when it qualified for the 2018 tournament on October 9, 2017
Published on Oct 08, 2025
