A historic milestone
The Cape Verdean football squad made history by reaching the round of 32 in its very first World Cup appearance, a feat that included a dramatic extra‑time battle with Argentina before the team was eliminated.
The achievement coincided with the nation’s Independence Day, turning the homecoming parade into a vibrant tapestry of music, flags and jubilant crowds that stretched across the islands.
Celebrations across the islands
Prime Minister Emanuel Trovoada, former player Pico Lopes and coach Vozinha joined the festivities, delivering speeches that linked the sporting victories to a broader sense of national pride and global ambition.
In the world of basketball, the archipelago’s team secured a place in the second round of qualifying after its inaugural World Cup appearance in 2023, a milestone that has set its sights on a 2027 tournament berth.